Murang’a county is on heightened readiness ahead of a two-day presidential tour that will see President William Ruto move across five constituencies to open, inspect and launch major development projects, as government and regional officials complete final preparations.
Central Regional Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha said security and coordination teams have already visited and assessed all the project sites set for the Head of State’s tour, assuring residents that everything is in place for a smooth programme.
While speaking in Gatura, Gatanga, Nkanatha described the visit as a routine engagement and encouraged residents to turn out in large numbers to welcome the President.
"We're happy that all is set. We're not anticipating anything because it's just a routine visit, and people love him as the Head of State. We're, however, appealing to locals to turn up in numbers to welcome him. We're privileged to host him," Nkanatha said.
On Friday, the President will begin his programme with the launch of the Kagumo-ini–Gitugi–Karugia road before heading to Kiambugi T-VET to lay a foundation stone for the construction of student hostels. He will then proceed to Murang’a town to inspect the Sh800 million Mumbi Stadium, which is expected to host up to 10,000 people once complete.
The tour will continue in Gatanga, where he will inspect the expansion of Kenneth Matiba Hospital, a project being implemented under the supervision of the Kenya Defence Forces. He will later move to Kandara town to launch an affordable housing project and assess the progress of a last-mile electricity connectivity programme.
In Kandara, he is also expected to roll out several road projects including the Kandara town–Karima Mwaro–Gatitu–Nguthuru route and the Gatiu–Njira Inya–Kaburugi–Kiberege road network.
On Saturday, the President will shift focus to Maragua to inspect Sabasaba and Ciumbu markets under the Economic Stimulus Programme. He will later return to Kandara to lay the foundation stone for the Sh366 million Kabati modern market before proceeding to Kigumo to commission the Sh342 million Kangari market.
He will also launch the Kangari–Gacharage road before visiting Ndunyu Chege and Gatura markets in Gatanga.
During a separate empowerment meeting in Gatura, Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina urged residents to support government development efforts and turn out in large numbers to receive the President.
"They led the fight against Uhuru because of his handshake with Raila. Now that Raila is not in the picture, how come things are not moving in their areas?" She wondered.
She claimed some opposition leaders have been benefiting politically from government-backed projects despite not actively securing them.
"Don't follow them. Allow us to work for you. If we fight bhang and illicit alcohol, we're fighting for the future of men," she said, urging locals to turn out in large numbers to welcome the President.
"Wear your cultural attire. Let's come out, young and old. Ask your families to come out and come with your drums," she told the women.
Nominated Woman Representative Sabina Chege also asked residents to embrace the projects and use the visit to push for more development commitments.
KICC chairperson Samuel Waweru urged residents to be cautious in their political choices ahead of future elections.
"It's important to ask yourself why you are angry. Let's ensure that when the elections come, we are sober as we make the decisions that we will have to live with for the next five years," he added.