Speaking during a public engagement in the Nyanza region, the ODM stalwart said the time had come for the community’s long-standing political sacrifices to translate into visible development, fair appointments, and a stronger voice in national decision-making.
According to Oburu, Kenya cannot genuinely claim to be united if entire regions continue to feel sidelined despite decades of participation in shaping the country’s democracy.
The senator reminded his audience that the Luo community has historically been at the heart of Kenya’s struggle for constitutionalism, good governance, and democratic reforms.
He argued that these contributions were not symbolic but costly, often involving political exclusion, economic neglect, and social marginalization.
“We cannot keep talking about unity while some communities only hear promises but see no action,” Oburu said, stressing that inclusion must be deliberate and measurable. “Recognition is not a favour. It is a reflection of fairness.”
Oburu pointed out that President Ruto has consistently promoted the idea of a broad-based government, one that brings together leaders from across the political divide.
While welcoming this narrative, the Siaya senator challenged the Head of State to back it up with concrete steps, particularly in regions that feel historically overlooked, such as Nyanza.
He emphasized that development projects, government appointments, and policy influence should not be treated as political rewards or bargaining tools but as constitutional entitlements for all Kenyans.
In his view, equitable distribution of national resources is essential if the country is to move past cycles of resentment and political tension.
The senator also made a passionate appeal to leaders from the Luo region, urging them to engage the national government through dialogue rather than perpetual confrontation.
He argued that strategic engagement offers a more realistic path to unlocking opportunities in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and employment—especially for young people struggling with unemployment.
“Our youth are watching,” Oburu noted. “They don’t care about political rivalries. They care about jobs, hospitals, roads, and dignity.”
His remarks, however, have triggered mixed reactions across the political spectrum.
Some leaders and citizens have welcomed his message, saying it reflects the frustrations of many communities that feel excluded from the national cake.
Others have cautioned against framing development as a “reward,” warning that such language risks deepening ethnic divisions.
Political analysts say Oburu’s comments come at a critical moment, as President Ruto seeks to consolidate support for his broad-based government while navigating growing public pressure over the cost of living and regional equity.
The debate also feeds into larger conversations about whether Kenya’s politics can finally shift from ethnic arithmetic to issue-based governance.
For supporters of the senator’s position, the message is simple: unity must be felt, not just spoken.
They argue that symbolic gestures are no longer enough in a country where economic hardship has sharpened public scrutiny of leadership decisions.
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