We are ready to work with all Ukambani leaders to realize development-Ruto

President William Ruto was in Kitui town Sunday for a thanksgiving service. The session is presided by AIC Kitui township pastor in charge Rev John Muli. Others present were area AIC Bishop Joseph Muendo and a host of members of the clergy.

The Head of State was accompanied by his second-in -command Rigathi Gachagua, CS Nominee for Tourism Penina Malonza and his Foreign Affairs and Diaspora counterpart Dr Alfred Mutua.

Others in the president’s thanksgiving service were MPs Dr Makali Mulu of Kitui Central, Kitui East’s Nimrod Mbai, Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West), Mwingi North’s Paul Nzengu and former senators David Musila and Johnstone Muthama. Muthama is the chairman of UDA.

Former Makueni Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana attended the thanksgiving ceremony as well as Kitui County Assembly Speaker Kinengo Katisya.

Conspicuously absent from the event was Wiper party leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka. He yesterday welcomed the President and urged Kitui Governor Malombe to host him.  Mr Musyoka also urged other Ukambani governors to pay a visit for the President’s thanksgiving service being held at Kitui Central Primary School.

Road completion

Governor Malombe requested President Ruto to help the county in realizing infrastructural development especially the Kitui-Kibwezi-Mbondoni road.

“We ask the President to consider completing the road network in Kitui County. The Kitui-Kibwezi-Mbondoni road be completed in good time. We will appreciate your support in this”, said governor Malombe at Central Primary School church service graced by President Dr William Ruto.

The second term county boss said he was consulting his Tana River counterpart Governor Godhana Dhadho so that the insecurity witnessed in Kitui South is resolved.

President Ruto thanked the members of clergy for praying for the country during the electioneering period. He also added that all leaders should unite to serve wananchi.

“I am prepared to work with all Ukambani leaders to realize development.  We are ready to work with your leaders for the benefit of the people of Kitui and the whole country”, said Dr Ruto.

On his part, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua revealed that there were plans to distribute food aid in Ukambani starting tomorrow. He urged the regional leaders to be transparent in the exercise to that the starving Kenyans benefit from the food distribution. “We have planned Monday and Tuesday we will give food to all residents of Ukambani.  Local leaders should cooperate and fairly distribute food to all our residents”, he said.

The deputy president said the government will increase food aid to residents. Kenya is experiencing worsening drought situation as five consecutive rain seasons have failed. Food prices are out of reach from millions of Kenyans due to skyrocketing inflation.

STORY By JOSPHINE MWENDE