Mudavadi tells off Uhuru over his last visit of Western region

Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi has told off President Uhuru Kenyatta over his visit to western Kenya.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mudavadi said the region will not buy into the head of state's trick of visiting the region with 'goodies'.

"Mr President, your visit to western in the final week of your tenure, with purported goodies is a ploy the people of the region will not buy," he said.

The Kenya Kwanza co-principal said the region has not been on the President's priority list.

He added that this is the region some Western leaders decided to back his deputy William Ruto.

"It's clear the region has been at the bottom of your priority list and therefore the region’s resolve to vote for William Ruto is cemented!"

Mudavadi's remarks come a day after President Uhuru toured a section of the western region to launch complete projects his government has undertaken.

The President also took time to campaign for his preferred successor and Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga.

Uhuru gave charters to at least eight universities, of which two are from the western region - Kaimosi Friends University in Vihiga and Alupe University in Busia. The exercise took place at the Kakamega State lodge.

Other institutions he awarded charter include; Tom Mboya University (Homa Bay), Tharaka University (Tharaka Nithi), Lukenya University (Makueni), Zetech University (Kiambu), Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology (Nairobi) and the East African University (Kajiado).

The President also announced a Sh500 million bailout of Nzoia Sugar Factory to offset arrears owed to farmers and workers.

Uhuru directed Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya to ensure Sh450 million owed to farmers is accredited to their bank accounts while Sh50 million is paid to the factory workers by Friday this week.