Pesident William Ruto is expected to begin a four-day tour of the Nyanza region, with leaders in Kisumu urging residents to turn out in large numbers to welcome him.
ODM national chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said the region was ready to receive the president and support the launch of development projects during his visit.
“From Sunday to Thursday, the President will be here. We welcome the President to Nyanza,” Wanga said.
She called on residents to put aside political and tribal differences and support initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods in the region.
“As people from this region who have been mobilised for a long time, we welcome him to open development projects and move the region forward,” Governor Wanga said.
The president is expected to visit all four counties in Nyanza to inspect and launch development projects, including affordable housing, markets and roads.
In Kisumu, he is expected to launch the Katito-Awasi road, among other projects. He is also due to attend a church service at the Voice of Salvation and Healing church.
The visit comes as political leaders and business representatives in Kisumu have rallied support for the president’s development agenda.
Traders and small and medium-sized enterprises in Kisumu’s central business district have been described as key drivers of the city’s economic growth.
A fundraiser held at the YMCA Grounds in Kisumu brought together leaders and stakeholders to support traders and small businesses seeking to expand and remain sustainable.
The event was hosted by Kisumu Central MP Dr Joshua Oron and attended by Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, Kisumu West MP Rozaah Buyu, County Assembly Speaker Elisha Oraro, members of the Kisumu County Assembly, political aspirants and other stakeholders.
The leaders raised Sh11.6m to support traders and help them strengthen their businesses.
They also used the event to drum up support for President Ruto’s re-election and welcomed his planned visit to the region.
The leaders called on residents to turn out in large numbers to receive the president, while urging them to support development projects during his tour.
Regional Commissioner Onesmus Kyatha said security had been increased ahead of the visit.
“This is a working tour for the President. He will assess the progress of development projects across the region,” Mr Kyatha said.
The tour follows an incident in Siaya on 8 September in which police arrested 12 people after youths allegedly attempted to obstruct a convoy of dignitaries attending a women’s economic empowerment event.
The event was hosted by First Lady Rachel Ruto, who was accompanied by Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and other government officials.
Kyatha said the incident was not directed at the First Lady but involved youths cheering their leaders.
“Whatever happened in Siaya was not about the First Lady. The youth were cheering their leaders,” he said.
He urged political leaders engaging with young people to ensure the president was welcomed peacefully.
“To the leaders engaging the youths, this is a visit by the President. To the youths, let us welcome the President well. Those who misbehave will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.
Kyatha said security agencies had enhanced preparations ahead of the president’s tour. “We have beefed up security,” he said.
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