President Uhuru Kenyatta has postponed his tour of Ukambani region that was set to begin on Tuesday, July 6.
In a statement, Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua revealed that the President postponed Tuesday’s tour in fear that his visit may spark the spread of Covid-19.
“The trip has been postponed for a few weeks to allow the Ministry of Health to monitor what appears to be the beginning of a 4th wave,” Mutua said.
Uhuru was set to inspect progress of Konza City in Machakos county. He was also expected to oversee launch of construction of Yatta and Miwongoni dams before heading to Makueni.
On Sunday, Mutua said the President would tour Machakos and Makueni and spend the entire Wednesday in Kitui.
“We welcome the Head of State and we expect the tour to yield good results. We at the same time do not expect idle politicians to take the opportunity to be seen walking with the President. All in all we are still negotiating to have one more day for his visit,” Mutua said.
The governor was flanked by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka who urged Ukambani residents to turn up in huge numbers and welcome the President.
“Konza city has brought back the region’s glory. We also have a chance to pump water from Thwake multi-purpose Dam to this new city,” Kalonzo said.
Other development proposal, according to Kalonzo, is the establishment of Makueni University, acceleration of the construction of Emali-Ukia -Wote road.
Notably, there has been disquiet among residents in Kibwezi, who gave out their land for construction of Kibwezi-Kitui Migwani road, due to delayed compensation. According to a well-placed source, the government disbursed Sh80 million to save the face of the President as he moves to launch the road on Wednesday.
Uhuru’s postponement of the Ukambani tour comes after the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) stated that the country will experience the fourth Covid-19 wave in the middle of this month.
