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Raila reveals Uhuru, Obama Nyanza visit


President Uhuru Kenyatta will tour Nyanza, the home turf of his one-time political nemesis Raila Odinga, next month.

Mr Odinga on Tuesday announced that Mr Kenyatta will visit Nyatike accompanied by Tanzanian president John Pombe Magufuli.

The ODM leader made the announcement after holding a meeting with a section of Nyanza leaders led by Migori Governor Okoth Obado.

The two will tour the area on July 6.

OBAMA VISIT

The Tuesday meeting was also discussed the upcoming visit by former US President Barack Obama who will be in Kenya on July 16.

“I met with leaders from Nyanza on the upcoming visit by former US President Barack Obama and the planned visit to Nyatike by Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta and Magufuli John Pombe,” Mr Odinga said Tuesday.

The ODM leader did not explain the nature of the visit which comes at a time when the two leaders have been working together on a unity deal dubbed “Building Bridges Initiative” mooted on March 9 after the famous handshake.

It will be the first time that President Kenyatta will be visiting Nyanza region since the August 8 election.

On Tuesday, it emerged that leaders from the region will table the issue of conflict in Lake Victoria to Presidents Kenyatta and Magufuli ahead of their visit to Muhuru Bay in Nyatike Constituency.

Minority leader in the National Assembly John Mbadi said leaders in the region are warming to the visit of President Kenyatta and Tanzanian head of state.

REGIONAL ISSUES

“We have a raft of regional issues affecting residents of the region. We shall discuss them with the President Kenyatta and Mr Odinga before the day of the event.

Mr Mbadi said they do not expect local issues to crop up at the function because they be having a visiting head of state.

“Mr Odinga do not expect local matters to arise as he and President Kenyatta shall be hosting President Magufuli of Tanzania,” said Mr Mbadi.

On his part Uriri MP Mark Nyamita termed the upcoming visit as a big step after the famous handshake.

“The effect of the handshake is trickling down to the grassroots. We are laying ground for warm welcome to the president. We will make him feel at home,” said Mr Nyamita.