- Earlier, a group of MPs from western Kenya had demanded Kenyatta meets legislators ahead of the tour.
- “The president is the head of this nation, thus he has the right to visit, tour, launch and inspect any project in this region,” Mudavadi said.
Image: CALISTUS LUCHETU
President Uhuru Kenyatta's scheduled visit of western region to launch at least 15 key projects has received criticism from locals and leaders.
The parties claimed they had not been involved in the planning of the scheduled tour.
Other leaders termed the project launch a mere public relations stunt by the national government.
But ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi has come out to defend President Kenyatta’s visit terming it developmental rather than political.
Speaking in Sabane village in Ikolomani, Kakamega county on Thursday, Mudavadi said Uhuru was free to launch any project in the area.
“The President is the head of this nation, thus he has the right to visit, tour, launch and inspect any project in this region,” Mudavadi said.
He was replying to MPs who had earlier said they were not involved in the planning of the tour.
“I agree that the visit should not be politicised and there should be communication with all leaders in Western, to enable us to walk together when touring the projects,” Mudavadi said.
Earlier, a group of MPs from western Kenya had demanded Uhuru meets legislators ahead of the tour.
Ayub Savula (Lugari), Sakwa Bunyasi (Nambale) and Raphael Wanjala (Budalang'i) said the President needs to involve lawmakers in crafting the agenda of the tour.
Savula wondered why the President met governors and left out MPs in a meeting to plan the tour.
“I want to say that we need to have a meeting with the President that comprises of governors, MPs and party leaders from the area,” he said.
Uhuru will inspect and launch projects in Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga and Trans Nzoia counties
Last Thursday, the five governors from the region met President Kenyatta at State House, Mombasa.
Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa led the delegation that included Patrick Khaemba (Trans Nzoia), Wycliffe Wangamati (Bungoma), Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Wilbur Ottichillo (Vihiga) and Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia).
“Why is it that when it comes to western, the President only meets governors,” Savula said.
He added, “When he went to Nyanza, the President met MPs and governors from the region led by ODM leader Raila Odinga and planned a very effective programme. When he went to Eastern, he did the same.”
Bunyasi and Wanjala raised concern that despite media reports on the tour, MPs have not received any communication concerning the same.
The Head of State is expected to launch developments projects including the planned construction of a gold refinery in Ikolomani constituency, Kakamega county.
Uhuru is also expected to inspect the Sh6 billion Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital set for an upgrade from level 5 to 6 facility.
In Bungoma county, the President is expected to commission the construction of Matulo Airstrip in Webuye, Chwele open-air market and Kanduyi Stadium.
He is also expected to address calls for a short-term capital injection at Nzoia Sugar Factory.
During the tour, the President is expected to award a charter to Kaimosi University college after inspecting the Vihiga Water Cluster Project.
Uhuru will also address residents of Busia after awarding a charter to Alupe University.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)