Kisumu prepares to receive President Kenyatta

An additional 300 police officers have been deployed to Kisumu County in readiness for President Uhuru Kenyatta’s visit.

Mr Kenyatta will be in the county to open the second Devolution Conference, which ends on Friday.

The three-day meeting, to be hosted by the Council of Governors and the Ministry of Devolution and Planning, will attract 6,000 delegates from across the country.

Nyanza Regional Police Coordinator Willys Lugusa said the additional officers were meant to reinforce security.

“We cannot leave anything to chance,” Mr Lugusa said.

Hundreds of regular and Administration Police officers converged on the town to prepare for tomorrow’s event.

“Key places like hotels have been secured,” Mr Lugusa said.

On Monday, county government officials placed portraits of President Kenyatta, his deputy, William Ruto, and governors on main streets.

Those invited include governors, members of county assemblies and national government officials.

The conference will take stock of the gains and challenges of devolution two years after its inception.

“We don’t want to report any kind of misbehaviour from residents. Anyone who breaks the law will be prosecuted,” Mr Lugusa added.

Kisumu hotels have been booked to capacity, with some visitors being advised to seek accommodation in Vihiga and other neighbouring counties.

Deputy president William Ruto and Council of Governors chairman Isaac Ruto will speak at the event.

It will be the first time the President would be touring Kisumu, which is considered the home turf of Cord chief Raila Odinga.

Roads leading to Tom Mboya Labour College, the venue of the meeting, have been repaired.