The nation turned a new leaf on Thursday as the once hostile opposition bedrock of Nyanza embraced both President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.
The two have been considered among the most unwelcomed figures in the region until recently.
Under the leadership of opposition chief Raila Odinga who played the role of the chief host, the two were ushered into Kisumu county by mammoths of crowds thanks to Raila, the area's political kingpin.
And though Raila and Uhuru enjoyed the most coverage from the media, being the topmost politicians and former arch rivals, Ruto too had a share of the love Luo Nyanza had to offer.
In a change of heart, the crowd that was apparently against Ruto and his 2022 presidential ambitions shouted and urged him to address them, a demonstration that politics is just a game.
“Ruto! Ruto! tell us your stand!”, they shouted, eager to hear his stand on the March 9 truce between Odinga and Kenyatta, reports the Standard.
The truce, dubbed the 'handshake' restored peace and political calm in the nation after the divisive 2017 elections.
And when he stood, the latter did not disappoint, and went ahead to express his full support for the handshake.
“Today, I have come to Kisumu. Some people have been saying that I don’t support the handshake. I want to tell you today that I support the handshake,” he said.
Uhuru was in the county for the official launch of the Universal Healthcare Coverage, one of his Jubilee Government's main agenda.
He will wrap up his 2-day tour on Friday, as he visits the neighboring Siaya County where he will also launch a number of projects.