KICC Chairperson Irungu Nyakera with President William Ruto during a previous rally [PHOTO: IRUNGU NYAKERA/X]Kenya International Convention Center (KICC) Board Chair Irungu Nyakera has pleaded with the residents of the Mount Kenya region to prioritize development over politics in the upcoming Presidential tour by President William Ruto in the region.
He emphasized that the visit is an opportunity to discuss progress and address underlying issues the Mt Kenya region is facing rather than engaging in political debates.
The Chairperson further cautioned the region that prioritizing politics over development risked derailing the region’s progress, citing historical instances where political distractions had slowed key projects.
“History has taught us harsh lessons. When Mzee Jomo Kenyatta visited Kisumu with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and was received with hostility, development in that region came to a halt for decades,” Irungu reminisced.
“Similarly, in President Uhuru’s final term, Mt Kenya suffered because we allowed politics to override cooperation and watched development bypass us.”
He reminded the people from the mountain to remain focused on the development agenda as that is what they voted for, highlighting that the development initiatives originate from the Presidential office.
“In the last election, Mt Kenya voted for development and development, as we all know, comes through the Office of the President. When he visits next week, let our focus be on that development - not on the politics,” he stated.
The Chairperson expressed regret that he would not be able to attend the tour, explaining that he was still engaged in studies at Oxford University in the UK.
He, however, reaffirmed his support for Ruto’s visit and encouraged residents to focus on development discussions.
Political leaders allied to President William Ruto, including Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wa have embarked on a massive reconnaissance in Mt Kenya to prepare the ground ahead of his visit next week.
President Ruto will return to Central Kenya counties for the first time since his last visit in August 2024 for a 5-day working tour between April 1 and April 5, 2025.
Some projects have been completed, many are in various stages of completion while others are ripe for launching in the ongoing implementation of the transformative Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda, the government's blueprint.
He will, therefore, commission completed projects, inspect ongoing ones and launch others in 9 counties - Laikipia, Nyeri, Meru, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Murang'a, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi and Kiambu.
