Sultan Hamud town came to a standstill on Tuesday as thousands of people gathered to welcome President Uhuru Kenyatta who is on a two-day development tour of Ukambani Counties.
Multitudes of people gathered at Changani area in the center of the town as early as 8.00 am even though the President was scheduled to arrive late in the afternoon.
By the time the President arrived shortly after 5.00 pm, the crowd, which was kept entertained all day by a very captivating local MC, Arthur Nzomo from Maiani, erupted into cheers.
The reception President Kenyatta, who was accompanied by Deputy President William Ruto and a host of local and national leaders received struck a note with Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana who dwelt on it when he spoke at a rally addressed by the President.
“We are happy that the people are receiving you so wonderfully. You were made an elder and you will be lobbying for yourself and for us as well. These people are many and there is something they want and God who sits on high will tell us what the future is,” said the Governor.
The Governor made the comments after the thousands of people attending the rally called on him to support Jubilee.
Mr Kibwana said the people of Sultan Hamud and it’s environs are pleased with the Government’s commitment to develop their region.
He said the construction of a 30 kilometer road connecting Sultan Hamud, Kasikeu, Wautu, Kyambike and Kikoko, which the President launched before addressing the rally, was a project locals have been begging for the last 60 years.
“What you have done for us is not small and we are not taking it in vain,” said the Governor.
The area MP, Regina Ndambuki, said it was a happy day for the people of Kilome Constituency because a project they yearned for the last several decades has finally become a reality.
“The riddles we have been told for many years is finally over and our Sultan Hamud Kasikeu road is now a reality,” she said.
She said the Jubilee Government has allocated enough resources to develop Ukambani and the people of the region should work with the Government.
She said she made the decision to work with the Government following pressure by the people of Kilome who told her that they want leaders who are development minded.
Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko said the people of Ukambani feel lucky because the Jubilee Government is making a reality what they have wished for years.
“When I was in nursery school, the people of this region used to beg for the construction of the Sultan Hamud Kasikeu road, when I was in primary and high school I used to hear promises but now the Jubilee Government has made it a reality,” he said.
President Kenyatta said the road projects he is launching in Ukambani will open up the region and create opportunities for economic growth.
He said development will not come when politicians continue engaging in divisive rhetoric and incitement.
“Our objective is to uplift the life of all Kenyans no matter where they come from and the politics of tribe should come to an end,” said the President.
The Head of State commended Ms Ndambuki for being mindful of the interest of her people and shunning the politics of divisions.
“I thank leaders like Regina who have said that leaders should be selfless in serving Kenyans. This country requires all of us so I urge everyone to join us to work for a better Kenya,” said the President.
The Deputy President said the Jubilee Government is committed to prioritize the development needs of Ukambani.
He said the Government will construct another 100 kilometers of roads besides those that have already been launched.
“We have installed equipment worth Sh400 million in Kibwezi hospital and another set worth Sh400 million in the hospital in Wote. We have doubled the number of people connected to electricity, the SGR is being completed and more work is going on,’ said the DP. “But our competitors will come here tomorrow and start telling you empty stories,” he added.
The road, being constructed at a cost Sh1.6 billion, is part of the many projects the President is launching during his two-day tour of Ukambani counties.
Earlier in the day, President Kenyatta and the Deputy President launched development projects in Mutomo, Kitui County and Kibwezi in Makueni County.
Tomorrow, the President will launch more projects in Makindu, Wote, Nunguni and Mbooni. During today’s tour, President Kenyatta also announced that the Government has mobilised Sh1.4 billion to compensate residents for land to construct Thwake Dam, which will be constructed at a cost of Sh30 billion.
Some of the MPs who attended the function included the Leader of Majority Aden Duale, Kisoi Munyao (Mbooni), Naomi Shaaban (Taveta) Rachael Nyamai (Kitui South), Beatrice Elachi (Nominated Senator) and Richard Makenga ( Kaiti) among others.
By PSCU.