President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga shared a warm and informal bonding moment as they fried and enjoyed a fish meal together in Homa Bay County on Friday, May 30, 2025, marking the second day of President Ruto’s ongoing tour of the Nyanza region.
The two leaders, who have grown warmer towards each other since signing a broad-based political pact, were joined by thousands of eager residents who came out to celebrate the special occasion.
Locals lined the streets, waving banners adorned with various messages, including ‘kumibilabreak’ and chanting enthusiastically as the two politicians continued with their activity in the Gladys Wanga-led county.
In one of the photos shared by President William Ruto on his Facebook page, a woman dressed in an apron bearing the words Boma Yangu was seen handing them a tilapia fish and a skimmer before gently showing them how to place it into a frying pan filled with bubbling hot oil.
Raila then took the fish and carefully immersed it in the oil while Ruto waited patiently before beginning to turn it over with the skimmer.
Other leaders who had joined them during the activity included Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho alongside Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who, once the fish was ready, were seen applauding the duo warmly.
Afterwards, Ruto and Raila proceeded to a designated seating area on the upper floor of the newly inaugurated Modern Homa Bay Fish Market, situated beside a large fishing pond, to enjoy the fish they had prepared.
They were then served ugali to accompany the fish.
In a post on his Facebook, Ruto noted that the entire fish-frying moment was orchestrated to add splendour to the occasion, which was the official opening of the market, adding that it will serve close to 400 traders.
He also highlighted that the new facility is a significant upgrade compared to others, featuring safe spaces and refrigerated storage areas for the vast supply of fish coming from the county.
“Opened the Modern Homa Bay Fish Market, which will accommodate more than 400 traders. The new market presents improved facilities such as clean, safe and adequate spaces, as well as storage facilities like cold rooms for traders. This will enhance fish supply and distribution, attract related support services, create employment and hence stimulate our growth,” he wrote on Facebook.
