Just a week after holding a meeting at Capitol Hill offices in Nairobi, Agriculture minister Mwangi Kiunjuri addressed a mammoth roadside rally in Kisumu's Kondele suburbs where they addressed challenges facing sugar industry.
Before the Monday evening rally, the two leaders chaired a meeting that brought together counties practicing sugarcane farming mostly from Western and Nyanza regions at Grand Royal Swiss Hotel.
"Together with the former Prime Minister Hon @RailaOdinga, I met leaders and stakeholders from the sugar belt region in a High Level Consultative meeting where issues ailing the sugar industry were discussed and a way forward was agreed on, on interventions that need to be made," Kiunjuri said.
In his remarks, Odinga underscored the fact that sugarcane farming is one of the major pillars of Kenya's economy. He said the sector is a priority especially in Western region of the country.
"Our country has always attached great importance to sugarcane production as a key contributor to the economy. A viable and sustainable sugar industry is vital for the development of Kenya. The sector is therefore a priority for the country and particularly for western Kenya," he wrote on Twitter.
After the meeting, the two proceeded to Kondole Roundabout where an enthusiastic crowd gathered around to listen to their speeches. It was the first time the former Laikipia legislator was addressing a rally in Nyanza.
Throughout the last two elections, Kiunjuri has been a critic of Mr Odinga and their joint meeting is a manifestation of improved relationship brought about by the handshake between Mr Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Notably, Kiunjuri worked in Nyanza, Kebirigo High School as Kiswahili/History teacher before quitting teaching for matatu business in 1995.
#hivisasaoriginal