President Uhuru Kenyatta arrived in Kisumu County on Thursday and was received by ODM leader Raila Odinga and Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o.
Deputy President William Ruto was in the company of Odinga as they waited for the Head of State at Kisumu International Akirpoirt.
This becomes the first visit to the county since the famous handshake between Kenyatta and Odinga.
Kenyatta is set to presided over the ground breaking ceremony of the Ahero interchange and later made brief stopovers at Ahero and Nyamira.
The President will officially launch the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) pilot phase at Mamboleo Showground.
The project incorporates four programmes that are set to run on a six month period.
The pilot project is reported to have cost the government Sh3.9 billion.
Other counties expected to have a similar initiative are Nyeri, Isiolo and Machakos counties.
On embarking from the Kenya Airforce jet, the Head of State was received by ODM Party leader Raila Odingawith whom they hugged and engaged in a little banter.
Other leaders who showed up at the airport to receive him include his deputy William Ruto and Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o.
Ruto had arrived earlier and met with Odinga, Nyong’o, Junet Mohamed (Suna East MP), CSs Cecily Kariuki (Health) and Raychelle Omamo (Defence).
This is Uhuru’s first official visit to Nyanza region since 2017 General Election that was hotly contested.
In October 2018, Uhuru made a brief stopover on his way to Kakamega County for the Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka is also in Kisumu with photos showing him in the company of Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga.
Uhuru is expected to launch the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) pilot program that was rolled out a cost of Kshs3.9 Billion.
Other counties set to benefit under the UHC pilot plan are Machakos, Isiolo and Nyeri.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, his Deputy William Ruto and Raila Odinga address residents at Ahero interchange#UhuruInKisumu pic.twitter.com/O4rNsZv2Mu
— Nairobi News (@Nairobi_News) December 13, 2018
In Kisumu International Airport, William Ruto looks on as Raila Odinga welcomes Uhuru Kenyatta for his 2day visit in Nyanza Region.
Only in KISUMU! #UhuruInKisumu #UhuruInNyanza #UniversalHealthCoverage pic.twitter.com/TDybwHDF34— James Mutinda (@JMutinda_snr) December 13, 2018
Earlier today; great handshake with Rt. Hon Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Kisumu Dala awaiting President Uhuru Kenyatta. Peace be our shield and defender. Tuendelee kuhudumia Wakenya wote kwa umoja. #OneNationKenya pic.twitter.com/4L4Vmke5uK
— DP William Ruto, PhD (FanPage) (@WilliamsMkenya) December 13, 2018
Last year, a time like this, President Kenyatta, DP RUTO won't imagine of landing in kisumu. They were a cast. But because Raila Odinga shared Uhuru, now they are can. One word, nyanza people worship a person blindly. Make your independent decisions. #UHC
— Elijah Okemwa (@elijah1334) December 13, 2018