For a long time now, Kisumu has been known to be an opposition stronghold. This is a county that has always made headlines from all the wrong reasons.
From running battles with the police to looting and destroying properties worth millions of shillings, the County has indeed has some dirty past that need to get erased real quick.
Kisumu has in the past been known to not have a good relationship with the National Government especially after the 2017 general elections where Raila Odinga, a man regarded by Kisumu residents as their political God lost.
The March 9th handshake between Uhuru and Raila Odinga all but helped to restore some level of calm, peace and tranquility in the region.
The President is today visiting the town for the first time since the handshake with his visit seen as one that could provide the impetus to revive talks around the country to restore good relations.
Raila Odinga has said President Uhuru’s tour to the region will signal a move from the post-election chaos that rocked this part of the country last year.
Today, the President will visit Kisumu to launch the pilot phase of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme, one of his pet projects in the Big Four agenda comprising healthcare, food security, industrial growth and affordable housing.
The President is returning to Kisumu after more than a year. He last visited in July 2017 when he launched the construction of a keg beer plant and an oil jetty.
Tomorrow, the two leaders will be in Siaya County, where they will be awarded honorary doctoral degrees at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology for their contribution to the peace initiatives in the country following their March 9 deal.
In a radio interview on Tuesday, Mr Odinga said his Kisumu tour with the Head of State will bring together leaders from diverse communities and mark the beginning of their nationwide reconciliation tours.
Mr Odinga urged locals to welcome the guests, saying the meeting will be similar to the 1961 convention in Kisumu that brought together various heads of State and leaders from East and Central Africa.