Nyeri locals expect more from Uhuru’s visit

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s one-week stay in Nyeri, appears to have ended on an anti-climax.

The President was expected to calm the nerves among who have previously accused him of paying attention to other areas at the expense of the voter rich region.

Locals anticipated that the Head of State would address public forums to tackle the problems afflicting the region but he chose to hold closed door meetings with a cross-section of leaders.

Prior to the visit, locals had drawn up a list of wishes, which they hoped Kenyatta would address.

From the issue of squatters in colonial villages to the dwindling fortunes of the cash crops in the area, the president had his in-tray full.

Although from the discussions held with those who attended the forums most of the issues were addressed.

Instead of holding public rallies, Kenyatta who for two days was committed to meeting national government officials and governors, hosted delegations from counties in central Kenya.

After presiding over the pass out parade at Police Training College in Kiganjo, the president hosted delegations from Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Kiambu and Nyeri.

Before his arrival at Sagana State Lodge, speculation was rife that he would visit Nyandarua, Kirinyaga and Nyeri.

It did not come to pass and most residents felt slighted.

Criteria used

“We have been waiting for the president so that he can listen to our problems. This is such an anti-climax that he chose to meet leaders instead of the wananchi,” said James Muringo, a youth leader in Nyeri.

Mr Muringo who has been vocal in pushing for the resettlement of families living in colonial villages said the president’s visit did not amount to much as he shunned the locals.

“When he hosts delegations in State House and we do not know the criteria used in selecting the people to be in the meetings we are left with a lot of questions,” he said.

He said Nyeri residents wanted the president to address the resettlement of squatters and marketing of coffee and tea.

The sentiments were echoed by Cecilia Wangechi who said most residents expected the President to greet them “as he did in Mombasa”.

“He was in Mombasa for a whole month and we saw that by meeting the people he was able to address the problems facing them but what has happened here is just a shame,” said Ms Wangechi.

In Kirinyaga, Joab Wang’ombe said the president should consider a meet the people tour.

“If he fails to do so, the locals will think he is taking them for granted. People need to see their president whom they voted for overwhelmingly,” said Mr Wang’ombe.

President Uhuru Kenyatta (PHOTO: COURTESY)

The Standard on Sunday learnt that the delegation to Sagana State Lodge was picked by local leaders with the assistance of County Commissioners.

Nyeri was angered by the sacking of former Transport Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau. This, a source explained, led Kenyatta to host a delegation of Nyeri leaders separately yesterday morning before heading to Nanyuki for Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri’s homecoming.

But political leaders from the region dismissed the notion that the trip had not achieved its objectives. Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau and his Gichugu counterpart Njogu Barua who attended the president’s meeting said he addressed most of the issues raised.

“I was not aware that the President was supposed to address public rallies. I think what people wanted was solutions to many of the problems afflicting the region and the president gave the government commitment to resolve the issues,” Mr Kamau said yesterday.

He said the issue of coffee, which has been a thorny matter, was addressed and the president promised to form a task force to look into the issue.

“Regardless of expectations, the president has achieved a lot during his stay in Nyeri. He was categorical that leaders should lead from the front in bringing development,” Mr Barua said.

He said the President promised to return to the area after two or three months so that he can meet the people.

Issues discussed

Nyeri Women Representative Priscilla Nyokabi listed the issues the President had promised to address and confirmed that he would return to the region “soon.”

Nyokabi said among the issues discussed included stalled projects like Othaya Hospital, Karatina Market, Karatina Police Housing, Mathira East and West Administration blocks and Karatina Hospital Emergency unit.

“He also addressed roads and infrastructure with projects such as Othaya-Mukurweini-Mathaithi, Naromoru-Karichen, Endarasha-Charity-Watuka, Mukurweini-Murang’a, Kiandongoro Forest Tetu to Kinangop being given priority,” Ms Nyokabi said.