- The president has intensified countrywide tours amid criticism from the opposition.
- Gusii leaders have prepared a memorandum for the president on development projects.
Image: PCS
President William Ruto will on Thursday morning hold a meeting with elected leaders from Nyamira and Kisii counties, days after he toured Gusiiland.
The meeting is seen as part of the president's strategy to buttress his grip on the region that is perceived to be the stronghold of opposition leader Raila Odinga.
On Tuesday, North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko confirmed that they will hold a meeting with the head of State at the Kakamega State lodge.
''We have a breakfast meeting date with the president on Thursday morning to discuss the development agenda for our region,'' the MP said.
The MP said the meeting will bring together only elected leaders among them governors Simba Arati(Kisii) and Amos Nyaribo(Nyamira).
Others will be members of parliament from the 12 constituencies from both Kisii and Nyamira, Senators, Woman Representatives and Members of County Assemblies(MCAs).
''The meeting will be attended by elected leaders irrespective of political affiliations to critically examine the various development projects in the region,'' Nyamoko said.
''We will look at the ongoing development projects, new ones and those that have stalled and agree on priority areas and timeliness.''
The Star understands that the leaders from Gusii region have been holding preparatory meetings to prepare a memorandum of understanding that they intend to give the president on Thursday.
The leaders have already identified key projects and prepared status reports on those that are underway in constituencies and wards including electricity connectivity, water and roads.
The meeting comes at a time when the president has intensified countrywide development tours to launch projects and also assess their implementation.
However, the president has faced criticism with his rival terming the tours purely political and aimed at consolidating power and enhancing support across the country.
In a statement on Monday, political analyst, Herman Manyora said the countrywide visits by Ruto were becoming too much.
"President Ruto, Thank you for visiting our Mulembe nation. But from a loyal subject: Consider putting these visits and launches to a Stop," he said.
Manyora said the visits were becoming too much and a drain on resources.
"Your Excellency, moving the president around is costly. It may interest you to know that all work stops when you’re around.
"The entire western region shut for all the time you were there. Please consider this as coming from your loyal subject and with tremendous respect and utmost humility. Once again thank you for your visit to Western," he said.
However, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday defended the visits saying they are part of the head of state's work.
''For those complaining, take note that you are yet to see more, this is just a warm-up,'' he said.