Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jr revealed President Uhuru Kenyatta will tour the lower Eastern side on July 29, after his trip was cancelled.
Speaking on Tuesday, July 6, Kilonzo stated that leaders from different factions in the region had come together and they had agreed on a new date for the visit.
The senator noted that the wrangles between the leaders were being sorted and they had agreed to come together and prepare for the Head of State's tour.
A statement from State House Nairobi confirmed that President Uhuru Kenyatta met Ukambani leaders led by Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Kitui County Governor Charity Ngilu, Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua, Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo, Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu, Makueni Deputy Governor Adelina Mwau, Machakos Deputy Governor Eng. Francis Maliti.
According to State House, the leader agreed to postpone President Kenyatta's visit due to the new Covid-19 variant but a new date will be announced soon.
Kilonzo further dismissed reports in a section of media that indicated that Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka had scuttled the tour with his demands which were not supported by the three governors from the region.
Uhuru was set to visit the region from Tuesday, July 6 to Wednesday, July 7.
Reports from State House insiders claimed that Uhuru was disappointed with the wrangles that emerged between the four leaders Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Governors Alfred Mutua (Machakos), Charity Ngilu (Kitui) and Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni).
It was further alleged that Wiper politicians wanted the development tour centred around Kalonzo Musyoka whereas the three governors were leaning towards showcasing their development records and projects.
The quartet learnt of the cancellation at State House, on Monday, July 5, after turning up to fine-tune and discuss strategies ahead of Uhuru's visit.
Kalonzo's allies reportedly planned to use the President's visit to seek endorsements and lay down their 2022 succession plan.
Wiper politicians allegedly clashed with the three governors over the control of the program, with some speculating it was a plan to bar certain leaders from addressing Uhuru.
Ngilu took a swipe at Musyoka and his allies, blaming them for scuttling the tour with unnecessary political propaganda. According to the governor, Wiper was an unpopular party in Eastern Region.
Kibwana and Mutua, however, deviated from politics arguing that the cancellation was timely as it allowed leaders to plan and strategies.
"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 the Covid-19 4th wave. 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.
