This Saturday, President William Ruto will begin a development tour of the Western Kenya region. This tour is part of his ongoing efforts to address national unrest following recent anti-government protests. The visit to Western Kenya follows Ruto’s recent three-day tour of the Gusii region.
Next, Ruto is expected to travel to Luo Nyanza, the stronghold of opposition leader Raila Odinga, in the coming days. During the Western Kenya tour, Ruto will be accompanied by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
On Saturday, Ruto will launch a water project in Malava, Kakamega County, before continuing his tour of the region. This visit to Kakamega comes shortly after Ruto appointed former county governor Wycliffe Oparanya as the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives.
On Friday, political leaders from Western Kenya, including Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, extended a warm welcome to the president in anticipation of his visit.
“President Ruto will launch a water project worth Sh2 billion which will help my people in Kakamega and beyond. The project which will be launched in Malava Constituency is a large milestone towards last mile connectivity of our pillar of water at the doorstep,” Barasa said.
Governor Barasa was flanked by Malava MP Malulu Injendi, MCAs David Ndakwa, Kevin Mahelo, Peter Wakukha, Peter Wanami, Geoffrey Sikolia and Keffa Musiya.
Injendi called on the residents to come out in large numbers during the President’s development tour.
“This is not the only project we have; there is a road project coming, another water project, an electricity connection, a new sub-county in Malava and a national polytechnic which the President will announce to us,” Injendi said.
Western Kenya is seen as Raila’s stronghold but the latest move by the president to form a broad-based government could enhance his fortunes in the region.
Ruto has intensified countrywide tours in his efforts to assess the impact of his move to bring on board opposition figures into his government to stabilise the country.
He has already toured Coast, Mount Kenya and Gusiiland in his latest offensive.
