This archive report was first published on 30 September 2019.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's highly anticipated tour of the Mt Kenya region is scheduled to begin in November, with the head of state expected to rally the region behind his agenda and be accompanied by ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The Kikuyu Council of Elders has identified a new shrine, where the President is expected to open and offer sacrifices. The shrine, located at Kiambuthia inside the Mt Kenya Forest in Nyeri county, spans 100 acres.
According to Kikuyu Council Elders National Chairman David Muthoga, the President will join the elders for a traditional prayer session and rituals at the shrine on November 15.
Mr. Muthoga stated that lobbying is still ongoing to ensure the tour does not abort and that the elders' meeting fits in the President's diary.
"I was at State House after writing a letter to the comptroller. I was told the meeting is being arranged. He will come on November 15. He will meet the Kikuyu elders and tour the sacred shrine," said Mr. Muthoga during a thanksgiving ceremony for the shrine at the Mau Mau freedom fighters' office in Nyeri town.
The President's tour comes a few months after he dismissed regional political rebels, describing them as "thugs" and vowing to hit back on them "at the right time" for undermining his quest to unite the country.
Recently, Deputy President William Ruto announced and confirmed the President's visit, offering details and an itinerary of the political-cum-development retreat.
The President will also preside over the official opening of Othaya Level Six Hospital in Nyeri, which has since been renamed Mwai Kibaki Teaching and Referral Hospital, among several other projects.
