President William Ruto is gearing up to host a crucial meeting with Mount Kenya leaders at Sagana State Lodge on Tuesday next week.
The gathering is expected to bring together serving and former leaders from the area to discuss the progress and future of the region.
According to a statement from State House, President Ruto will embark on a development tour in the region, commencing on Saturday and ending on Wednesday while on Sunday, he (Ruto) will engage in interdenominational prayers with the local community.
Gatanga MP Edward Muriu confirmed to the Star via phone that the President will hold an inclusive meeting with leaders from the entire region, irrespective of political affiliations.
He said that during the meeting, leaders will have the opportunity to address pressing issues related to agriculture, infrastructure, health, and education, with a keen focus on fostering unity within the region.
MP Muriu expressed his hope that the meeting will provide a platform for leaders to speak with one voice and collectively champion development for the benefit of all.
“The meeting with the head of state will create ground for leaders to speak in one voice and champion development irrespective of political affiliations," he said.
The New Democrats party leader Thuo Mathenge has echoed Muriu's sentiments, stressing the importance of unity among leaders in the region to drive sustainable developmental growth.
He believes that President Ruto's visit will play a pivotal role in unifying leaders from diverse political backgrounds, fostering a sense of cohesion, and collaboration towards achieving the region's development goals.
“We hope that our leaders will have constructive discussions that will pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for the region," he said.
Political analyst cum columnist Albert Kasembeli opined that the Sagana meeting is poised to shape the region's future trajectory, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered in the pursuit of progress and prosperity.
He said that being President Ruto's first meeting at the State Lodge, the event holds great significance for the locals and is expected to have a profound impact.
“The gathering at Sagana State Lodge is seen as a momentous opportunity to rally leaders towards a common vision and drive tangible progress for the benefit of all residents, ”he said.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaking at Nanyuki Stadium on Sunday, January 8, 2023, said that Ruto's major Mt. Kenya Thanksgiving will start in Githurai and end in Sagana.
“The procession will start at Githurai, followed by Ruiru and then Juja, River Chania; where we’ll hold special prayers, and thereafter proceed to Kenol, Maragua, Murang’a, Sagana, Kagio, Kutus, Kerugoya, Kagumo, Kiangai, Karatina, Nyeri, Chaka and then finish off at the State Lodge Sagana,” Gachagua said during an interdenominational prayer service at the Nanyuki Stadium.
Gachagua said that the meeting at the Sagana State Lodge will be referred to as the Sagana One Convention of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“During the convention, we’ll speak about roads, water connectivity, tea and coffee prices, general agriculture and other development projects,” added the deputy president.