President William Ruto this Saturday embarks on a development tour of the Western Kenya region.
This is the latest regional tour of the president in his charm offensive to pacify the country after a wave of anti-government protests.
The Western region tour comes days after Ruto concluded his three-day tour of the Gusii region.
He is expected to move to Luo Nyanza, opposition leader Raila Odinga's backyard, in the coming days.
In his tour of Western Kenya, Ruto is expected to be accompanied by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula.
On Saturday, Ruto will launch a water project in Malava, Kakamega County and thereafter proceed on his tour of the western region.
The Kakamega visit comes days after Ruto appointed former county governor Wycliffe Oparanya the CS for cooperatives.
The trip also comes
On Friday, political leaders from Western Kenya led by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa welcomed the president ahead of his tour.
“President Ruto will launch a water project worth Sh2 billion which will help my people in Kakamega and beyond. The project which will be launched in Malava Constituency is a large milestone towards last mile connectivity of our pillar of water at the doorstep,” Barasa said.
Governor Barasa was flanked by Malava MP Malulu Injendi, MCAs David Ndakwa, Kevin Mahelo, Peter Wakukha, Peter Wanami, Geoffrey Sikolia and Keffa Musiya.
Injendi called on the residents to come out in large numbers during the President’s development tour.
“This is not the only project we have; there is a road project coming, another water project, an electricity connection, a new sub-county in Malava and a national polytechnic which the President will announce to us,” Injendi said.
Western Kenya is seen as Raila's stronghold but the latest move by the president to form a broad-based government could enhance his fortunes in the region.
Ruto has intensified countrywide tours in his efforts to assess the impact of his move to bring on board opposition figures into his government to stabilise the country.
He has already toured Coast, Mount Kenya and Gusiiland in his latest offensive.