Leaders drawn from the Luo Nyanza region have expressed their readiness to embrace all people accompanying President Uhuru Kenyatta for his Thursday tour of the region.
In a press conference on Tuesday, the leaders said that everyone in Uhuru's entourage will be welcome in the region, including Deputy President William Ruto.
Ruto has not been in good terms with the leaders from the region over his rivalry with area kingpin and opposition leader Raila Odinga who will accompany the president.
But the team of legislators: Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja), Jared Okello (Nyando), James Nyikal (Seme), Paul Abuor (Rongo), and Elisha Odhiambo (Gem) now say that he is free to visit.
"Everyone accompanying the President during his tour is welcome in Nyanza. If Ruto will be part of the President’s entourage, he is most welcome,” Okello is quoted by the Standard.
Uhuru is expected to launch the Universal Healthcare Coverage in Kisumu before proceeding to the neighboring Siaya County for a series of development launches.
The leaders promised to raise the plight of the people with the President courtesy of their roundtable where they will present all the wishes, and requests of the region.
“We know people have great expectations and they are right. But we want to assure them that as leaders, we have an opportunity to have a round table with the Head of State and they can rest assured that we will raise matters of their well-being,” Nyikal is quoted.
Odinga is expected to receive President Kenyatta at the Kisumu International Airport before a joint tour of the region.
He has since urged locals to come out in large numbers and give the President a befitting reception.