A section of leaders from Kakamega County has called for peace and tolerance ahead of President William Ruto’s planned development tour of the region.
Led by Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, the leaders expressed concern over what they described as reports of possible attempts to disrupt the President’s meetings.
Speaking ahead of the visit scheduled for Thursday, Nabwera urged residents and local leaders to maintain calm, saying the tour is focused on development matters and not politics.
“The President’s visit is about development for the people of Kakamega, not political sideshows,” Nabwera said.
He encouraged residents to allow all leaders, regardless of political affiliation, to address the public during the events.
“If you support someone else, let them speak because your time will also come. We should not allow politics to divide us during such an important visit,” he added.
Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana and Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda echoed similar sentiments, calling for peace and decorum throughout the visit.
“We do not want to see any disruptions in an event where the President is present. We need peace and harmony because he will come with development programmes for the county,” Ikana said.
President Ruto is expected to launch several infrastructure projects during the tour, including the Malava–Samitsi–Navakholo road and the Airstrip–Shinyalu–Chepsonoi road.
The projects are part of the national government’s plan to improve road connectivity and spur economic growth in Western Kenya.
The President is also expected to commission the Turbo–Panpaper–Makutano–Sikhendu road in Lugari.
In addition to development engagements, the President is expected to express support for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate in the upcoming Malava parliamentary by-election, David Ndakwa.
The November 27 by-election has drawn competition from DAP-K’s Seth Panyako and Wilberforce Tubei of the Kenya Moja Alliance.
Political activity in the county has intensified ahead of the mini poll, with leaders urging restraint and peaceful campaigns.
“The people of Kakamega deserve development, not division. Let us give the President a peaceful environment to deliver his message,” Nabwera said.
The President’s visit is part of his ongoing countrywide development tours aimed at assessing progress on government projects and reinforcing his administration’s pledge to equitable development.
On Tuesday, Ruto was in Baringo to launch several projects before proceeding to Nakuru on Wednesday.
