Leaders divided over Uhuru’s visit to Raila home turf
What you need to know:
- Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi asked if ODM party leader Raila Odinga would be involved in the visit. He said Mr Odinga should be involved as the “father of devolution” and that his absence may make a big political statement.
- The leaders said it is the responsibility of Mr Kenyatta to visit any part of the country regardless of how they voted in the last election. The leaders said past scheduled tours were cancelled, dampening the spirit of residents.
- The chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kisumu chapter Israel Agina said the visit may help will unlock some infrastructure projects.
The planned visit by President Kenyatta to Kisumu has elicited mixed reactions.
The President is expected to open a devolution conference in Kisumu next week organised by the Council of Governors. His deputy William Ruto will close the conference.
Nyando MP Fred Outa complained about the poor communication with leaders from the region on the visit.
“We are only learning about it in the media,” said Mr Outa. He said organisers should communicate to local leaders in good time so they can be involved in the planning.
“We understand it is a governor’s affair but the county is a conglomerate of sub-counties that have their representatives,” said Mr Outa.
Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma urged leaders to put aside their political differences.
“Let us embrace this opportunity. We invite any ideas that can help us make the event better,” said Mr Ranguma.
Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi asked if ODM party leader Raila Odinga would be involved in the visit. He said Mr Odinga should be involved as the “father of devolution” and that his absence may make a big political statement.
“However, I also I do not understand the excitement because the President should visit every part of Kenya. People must understand that such visits do not translate to development,” said Mr Wandayi. The ODM leader said the excitement around the scheduled address was unnecessary.
The leaders said it is the responsibility of Mr Kenyatta to visit any part of the country regardless of how they voted in the last election. The leaders said past scheduled tours were cancelled, dampening the spirit of residents.
The leaders clarified that they were not opposed to the tour.
INVITATION LETTERS
Organisers told Nation that they will consider the issues that have been raised so far.
Dr Kennedy Hongo, leader of the Kisumu county team, said invitation letters to the MPs will be sent. “Things are just shaping up. We will communicate to them in good time,” said Dr Hongo.
The chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kisumu chapter Israel Agina said the visit may help will unlock some infrastructure projects.
“We appeal to the President to give a categorical statement of the state of the standard gauge railway line in Kisumu County,” Mr Agina said. Archbishop Washington Ogonyo Ngede, chairman of Nyanza council of church leaders, also welcomed the visit.
