Nyamira County has yet again played host to Deputy President William Ruto, days after local ODM leaders launched a charm offensive to defend their voting bloc.
In the recent weeks, a determined Ruto has been hosting various Gusii leaders, majority of whom were elected on ODM ticket in a region that has traditionally voted for Raila Odinga.
Early this month, Kisii Governor James Ongwae and his Deputy Joash Maangi payed Ruto a courtesy call at his Karen home days after tens of MPs backed the DP.
On Monday morning, a section of disgruntled ODM supporters had waged anti-Ruto protests which however, lasted for few minutes along Amabuko-Magombo road.
At Ichuni Secondary school where he landed, Ruto was ushered in by Nyamira Deputy Governor Amos Nyaribo, Kitutu Masaba MP Shadrack Mose and assembly Majority Leader Duke Masira of ODM.
11:20am: The DP lands at Ichuni secondary for his historical tour in Nyamira. County deputy boss Amos Nyaribo leads other leaders in welcoming the DP.
11:40am: The convoy of the DP William Ruto arrives at Keroka Level Four Hospital, the second largest facility in the county after Nyamira Teaching and Referral Hospital.
11:48am: County CeC in charge of health Douglas Bosire takes visitors through the facility including the stalled building. The DP pledges Sh100 million to improve the facility which will be sourced from the emergency kitty.
11:55am: Deputy Governor Amos Nyaribo lauds the DP for his tour. Cites Nyangori water project as 'all important' adding that it will serve various towns across Nyamira and the neighbouring Kisii.
12:00pm: Kitutu Masaba MP Shadrack Mose says Jubilee administration is committed in pushing for development. Tells off Ruto's critics. The MP also lauds the DP for launching electricity face-lift programs in the region.
12:15pm: The country's second in command says that the government has improved the number of people connected to electricity from 15,000 in 2013 to 40, 000 in 2018. He also says more people will be connected by 2022.
12:20pm: Nyamira County to receive Sh50 million for electricity connection. The fisrt phase according to DP Ruto to cost the government Sh11 million. He launched the programme at Matangi Primary School.
12:30pm: Ruto says he will not be distracted by 'prophets of doom', says his focus is to better the lives of Kenyans in line with Jubilee party manifesto.
12:35pm: Kitutu Masaba MP Shadrack Mose sends Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i's apology. Says the minister was held in parliament where he was to appear for the probe. The MP insisted that the minister supports the DP's agenda.
12:50pm: Ruto and his entourage arrives at Nyangori water project which was funded by ADB bank at a cost of Sh400 million. He dismisses reports that the government never put money in the project as claimed by ODM treasurer Timothy Bosire.
1:00pm: Leaders present at Nyangori water project in Gachuba ward lauds the DP's efforts after he said the government will complete construction of controversial Sh5 billion Bonyunyu Dam, which is situated 5KM from Nyangori. The Dam will serve the entire county and the neighbouring Kisii.
1:05pm: The DP says Jubilee government is keen to end water crisis in various parts of the country. Says the Bonyunyu Dam in Nyamira would solve water scarcity in South Nyanza region.
1:30pm: Ruto asks local leaders to support Jubilee government. He says Raila is a non performer and he will not fall into his trap.
1:40pm: North Mugirango MP attacks ODM treasurer Timothy Bosire at Rigoma market. Terms him a failure and asks locals to disown him. Bosire lost Kitutu Masaba seat in 2017 but is among outspoken local leaders from Nyamira.
2:00pm: Ruto says a new contractor will report at Kemera-Amabuko road which had been abandoned. He says the government will also extend the project to Manga-Motemomwamu
2:15pm: After a successful tour in Kitutu Masaba, Ruto leaves for North Mugirango for another function at Nyagokiani secondary school.
3:00pm: DP Ruto gives Sh400 million to Nyamira Teaching and Referral Hospital for purchasing of more CT- Scan machines. He also gave Sh50 to Kitutu Masaba Technical College.
3:10pm: Ruto also gives Sh4.5 million to Rikenye secondary school in Kitutu Masaba. He orders for completion of Kemera- Amabuko road.
4:00pm: The Deputy President dismisses disunity in Jubilee as idle talk. Says he is more concerned with delivering promises to wananchi.