Uhuru makes impromptu visit to Kirinyaga

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday evening made an impromptu visit to Kirinyaga County, just a day after he held his official voter registration campaign in the county.

The visit caught many by surprise with former Devolution Cabinet Secretary and Kirinyaga governorship aspirant Anne Waiguru leading area leaders in receiving him.

The Head of State toured Baricho, Kiburu and Kibirigwri towns, urging residents to register as Jubilee party members and voters to be able to take part in the nominations as well as the August 2017 elections.

In his addresses, Mr Kenyatta lashed out CORD leader Raila Odinga over his claims that the National Intelligence Service (NIS) was planning to rig the elections in favour of Jubilee, terming his utterances as malicious and repugnant.

He stated that he is committed to ensure that the August elections are free and fair, calling on the Opposition to desist from inciting the public and instead focus on uniting the country ahead of the polls.

“As politicians, we should not make utterances that may incite the public to violence and lead to a repeat of the 2007 post-election violence,” said President Kenyatta.

“I promise to conduct my campaigns peacefully and ask for votes in a civilized manner without diving Kenyans along tribal or party lines. I urge the Opposition to do the same.”

Prior to visiting Kirinyaga, President Kenyatta had toured Embu and Kitui counties where he urged residents to register as voters.

“If you fail to vote and get bad leaders, you will end up complaining for the next five years. That is why it is paramount that you register as voters and participate in the August elections.”

Earlier in the day, CS Waiguru and her running mate Peter Ndambiri had toured Kerugoya and Baricho towns where they met stakeholders in the Matatu industry and local leaders.

Waiguru promised matatu Saccos that she will initiate development projects to improve the matatu industry including construction and expansion of roads and improving security in the county.

The former CS urged the locals to register as voters and support President Uhuru Kenyatta’s reelection bid to ensure a continuation of the development projects that the government has launched across the country.

She further called on them to support her governorship bid saying she is ready to work tirelessly to better the living standards in the county.

Ms Waiguru also promised a development-oriented government that will encourage investment, value addition, and expansion of the infrastructure.

“In my government, Kirinyaga County will be a development hub. Am ready to work with the people to ensure growth in all sectors of the economy,” she said.