This archive report was first published on 19 June 2020.
June 19, 2020
President Uhuru Kenyatta has pulled off another surprise move, this time in Western Kenya, where he has ordered the immediate completion of all stalled projects in the region. This move is seen as a significant blow to Deputy President William Ruto's Tangatanga agenda, which has been gaining momentum in the region.
The President's directive, issued through Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, who chairs the National Development Implementation and Communication Cabinet Committee, is aimed at consolidating his support in Western Kenya. Matiang'i has been tasked with hosting a consultative meeting with leaders from the five counties in the region to deliberate on development projects.
The meeting, which was attended by over 20 MPs, three governors, and four senators, discussed a wide range of issues, including infrastructure, the ailing sugar industry, and water. Dr. Matiang'i agreed to visit the region between July 20 and 21, 2020, to analyze the status of the projects and report back to the President.
With the projects route blocked, Deputy President Ruto will need to come up with other ways of selling his agenda in the run-up to 2022. The President's move is seen as a strategic one, aimed at curbing the Tangatanga agenda and giving him mileage in the region.
As expected, pro-Ruto MPs did not show up at the meeting, amid reports that they had been asked to stay away. The meeting was attended by Kieleweke MPs, who have been supporting the President's agenda in the region.
