This archive report was first published on 1 July 2020.
On July 1, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta held a private meeting with a team of leaders from Western Kenya to discuss the region's development agenda and revitalize its economy.
The meeting, which took place at an undisclosed location, included four Governors from the region, one Cabinet Secretary, and Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli.
Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya revealed details of the meeting, stating that the agenda included reviving ailing and collapsed factories, completing stalled development projects, and ensuring that people from the region secure government appointments.
According to Oparanya, the meeting was aimed at ensuring that people benefit from the government, rather than seeking political supremacy.
The meeting came just hours after Oparanya announced that governors had advised Uhuru to gradually open the economy following consultations with his compatriots.
Wamalwa and Oparanya have held a number of meetings in Western Kenya, including one on June 14, where they met elders from Maragoli, Banyore, and Tiriki Luhya sub-tribes at Ebunangwe.
Political temperatures in the Western region are flaring, with Deputy President William Ruto's allies being roughed up during their gatherings.
