President Uhuru Kenyatta has cancelled the Eastern Region - Ukambani - tour at the last minute.
Uhuru was set to visit the three counties, Kitui, Machakos and Makueni for two days from Tuesday, July 6.
The head of state was reported to have feared that his visit would trigger the spread of Covid-19 in the region.
"Yes. The trip has been postponed for a few weeks to allow the Ministry of Health to monitor what appears to be the beginning of a 4th wave. I am aware President Uhuru was looking forward to the trip and all plans of the trip had been completed.
As leaders of the region, we understand the importance of keeping our society safe and ensuring the President leads from the front in complying with Covid health guidelines. We welcome the President and I, in particular, appreciate the partnership Machakos has with the National Government in rolling our development projects for my people," Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua told Kenyans.co.ke.
Insiders, nonetheless, detailed that the President would address the country to clarify the decision reached upon after consultation with the area leaders.
He met the three governors Mutua (Machakos), Kibwana (Makueni) and Charity Ngilu (Kitui) at State House on June 14 to plan the tour.
Other leaders present were Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Senators Mutula Kilonzo Jnr (Makueni) and his Kitui counterpart Enock Wambua. The leaders proposed development ideas to Uhuru who was expected to inspect the Konza City project and also launch Yatta and Miwongoni dams among others.
"We welcome the head of state and we expect the tour to yield good results. We at the same time do not expect idle politicians to take the opportunity to be seen walking with the President," Mutua stated.
Uhuru and ODM leader Raila Odinga were criticised for holding the Madaraka Day celebrations in Kisumu on Tuesday, June 1. The duo and Deputy President William Ruto attracted large gatherings that flouted Covid-19 rules.
The Ministry of Health since then recorded soaring numbers of the Indian variant in 13 Lake Region Counties; Busia, Vihiga, Kisii, Nyamira, Kakamega, Kericho, Bomet, Bungoma, Trans-Nzoia, Kisumu, Siaya, Homa-Bay and Migori.
The government reviewed the curfew to 7 pm and 4 am in the 13 counties to curb the spread of the virus.
"Except for essential and emergency services, movement between the hotspot zone and the rest of the country is strongly discouraged," Health CS Mutahi Kagwe announced.
