President Uhuru Kenyatta’s impromptu inspection tour of the ongoing projects in the Nyanza region left Raila Odinga’s supporters happy with the president’s move.
The president who landed at 3 pm at the refurbished Kisumu port was accompanied by the Chief of Defense Forces Robert Kibochi and other government officers.
The head of State toured the Kisumu Shipyard and inspected the ongoing construction of the MV Uhuru 11 wagon ferry, dry dock, and slipway.
The recent pronouncements by the president have been interpreted as his endorsement of Raila Odinga for the presidency.
The President while addressing residents of Homabay county in Mbita he hinted at returning to the region in the company of his handshake partner.
“This election year, we want Kenyans to be united as that was the spirit of the handshake. We need to move on this journey as a united country. I will come back soon with Baba, and other leaders to great you,” Uhuru said.
When the crowd that had gathered to welcome the president was happy when the president mentioned the name of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Since the handshake, the national government has launched a number of projects in the lake region unlike during Uhuru Kenyatta’s first term as the president.
Uhuru’s lake region visit comes at a time Raila Odinga is expected to launch his campaign program in Thika, the home county of the president.
Raila’s rally in Thika has political significance bearing in mind before the handshake, Raila would have encountered hostility like what happened in 2017 when youths stoned his convoy.
Odinga has used the handshake with President Kenyatta to grow his following in the Mt. Kenya region.
Uhuru’s action such as breaking official protocol and inviting Raila to speak at a national ceremony has significantly helped in propelling Raila’s candidature.
The president has b
