President Ruto Honored as Teso Elder — What Does This Mean for Kenya?
It’s not every day a sitting President is installed as a community elder.
But on Saturday, William Ruto received exactly that honor — and the Teso community made it clear: they are ready to work with him.
The ceremony took place at the State Lodge in Eldoret, where Teso leaders from Busia County and neighboring regions gathered to bestow upon the President a new name and a new role.
Meet “Ojokotau” — The President’s New Title
In a colorful and symbolic ceremony, President Ruto was installed as a Teso elder and given the name “Ojokotau.”
The meaning?
“Someone with a big heart.”
It’s a title that carries deep cultural significance — and one that signals the Teso community’s willingness to embrace the President as part of their own.
“We Have Chosen Unity”
Teso North MP Oku Kaunya led the delegation and presented a memorandum on behalf of the community.
His message was clear and deliberate:
“We have chosen unity, we have chosen partnership, we have chosen to participate in building Kenya with you, Your Excellency.”
Kaunya acknowledged that the Teso community had long been divided — among clans, institutions, and political leaders.
“What we have lacked for a long time, Your Excellency, is not the ability. We have lacked cohesion and unity,” he said.
But now, he declared, that era is over.
The community has resolved to organize itself, identify common interests, and work closely with the government under the broad-based arrangement.
The Development Wish List
The Teso community didn’t just come to honor the President — they came with a clear agenda.
Kaunya listed several key development projects the community is eager to see completed:
| Project | Region |
|---|---|
| Tarmacking of Butula-Nambale-Amukura-Kocholia road | Busia County |
| Malaba-Kimwanga highway | Western Kenya border |
| Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) | Malaba extension |
| Dry port development | Malaba |
| Export Processing Zone (EPZ) | Malaba |
These projects, Kaunya argued, would create real opportunities for Teso residents — not just infrastructure, but jobs, trade, and economic growth.
Acknowledging Past Support — and Future Hopes
Kaunya didn’t forget to recognize the President’s track record.
He recalled that between 2013 and 2017, when Ruto served as Deputy President, the Teso community had two Members of Parliament — Mary Amase and Arthur Odera.
He also credited Ruto with supporting road construction in the region, including routes connecting:
- Busia to Adungosi
- Adungosi to Malaba
- Other local roads serving Teso communities
The MP also welcomed the creation of Teso Central Sub-County — and expressed hope that future administrative reviews would open doors for additional political representation.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just a ceremonial gesture.
The Teso community — historically seen as opposition-leaning in recent elections — is signaling a major political realignment.
By installing Ruto as an elder and pledging partnership, they are:
- ✅ Strengthening their relationship with the national government
- ✅ Positioning themselves for development projects
- ✅ Creating a united front after years of internal division
For Ruto, it’s a significant political win — securing support from a community that has sometimes been on the margins of national decision-making.
What’s Next for the Teso Community?
With unity and partnership now official, the focus shifts to delivery.
Key questions to watch:
- When will the Butula-Nambale-Amukura-Kocholia road tarmacking begin?
- Will the Malaba SGR and dry port become a reality?
- Can the Teso community turn its new unity into tangible political and economic gains?
The Teso delegation has made its intentions clear.
Now, all eyes are on the government’s response.
Stay Updated
This is a developing story with significant political and economic implications for Western Kenya.
Bookmark this page for updates on:
- Infrastructure projects in Busia County
- Political realignments in the region
- President Ruto’s engagements with communities across Kenya