This archive report was first published on 12 September 2019.
Deputy President William Ruto has returned to the Coast region after a long break, marking his ninth visit to the area since the March 9 handshake between President Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
His visit comes just three days after President Kenyatta's five-day tour of the region, where he launched several development projects and met with Coast leaders.
During his five-day tour, which started on Thursday, Ruto is set to launch a number of development projects, including the KoraKora canal water and coconut and nuts projects in Tana River.
He will also commission the Baricho Water stabilization supply and visit the National Irrigation Board project on cashew nuts and coconut in Kilifi, which will provide farmers with free seedlings.
On Saturday, Ruto will head to Kwale for the launch of the Sh500 million dam project in Pemba, which was reconstructed after being washed away by floods.
On Sunday, he will be in Mombasa to launch the Sh300 million sewerage works funded by the African Development Bank in Changamwe.
He will conclude his tour on Monday by visiting Taita Taveta.
During his previous visit to the region in June, Ruto led a fundraiser in aid of a project to translate the Bible into Giriama language in Kilifi town.
His frequent visits to the region have raised debate among his opponents, who claim he has started early campaigns ahead of the 2022 presidency bid.
However, Ruto has maintained that his visits are focused on development, stating, "Some leaders should stop being worried. We are here for development since the time for politics will come," at Kakuyuni in Malindi.
