The Kakamega governor, Wycliffe Oparanya has said that the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) party leader, Raila Odinga should be treated well when he visits Kakamega.
The Cord leader began his tour of Western Kenya today where he is expected to visit Kakamega and Vihiga to meet delegates.
“Raila is the senior most politician in the country. He is the only one who can shake Jubilee leadership," said Oparanya.
The governor said that even if President Uhuru Kenyatta wished to visit the area he should not be hindered.
Oparanya further urged all residents of the area to resist blocking leaders from visiting the area in a bid to win voters over.
"And if Uhuru wants to come to Kakamega, let him come. If he gets one or two people to follow him, that will be enough for him. We should not block leaders from visiting any part of the country,” said Oparanya.
The governors’ remarks come days after people in Mumias demonstrated against the Cord leaders’ tour to the region stating that he was the main reason the Mumias Sugar Company had collapsed.
Oparanya told demonstrators that despite their differences with certain leaders, they should still respect them.
“So those who are aligned to a particular political faction should not frustrate those who support other leaders," he said.
In regards to the mass exits from the Orange Democratic Party (ODM) recently, Oparanya assured the party leaders that it would soon get back on its feet and that they should not lose hope in it or its members.