Uasin Gishu MPs have denied reports that they will be barred from today's relaunch of Rivatex factory to be presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Speaking to the media at Rivatex in Eldoret, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Caleb Kositany (Soy), both ardent supporters of Deputy President William Ruto, yesterday termed report on sections of the media that they will be locked out as propaganda.
“President Uhuru is our national leader and he is welcome in Uasin Gishu. We want the public to know that our political enemies are those spreading propaganda that we will not be allowed anywhere near the president,” said Mr Sudi who has previously criticised the President on a raft of issues.
He said that the reopening of the factory was among Jubilee’s economic agenda anchored on the Big Four industrialisation pillar.
Stick to programme
Mr Kositany on his part said all that mattered was the revival of the textile firm.
“It is not about who will attend or speak it is not a must that all the leaders at the function speak and also not all are supposed to attend,” he said adding it was wrong for a section of the media to rely on speculation to create a rift where there was none.
He went on: “We shall abide by day’s programme and views of selected speakers."
According to multiple sources close to the planning process local politicians had been flagged from the ceremony with only Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago marked to speak.
“The initial plan was to have the President relaunch and tour the facility before holding a public meeting at the adjacent Sports ground. But an advance team from State House changed the (Sports ground) venue to Rivatex ground, within the precincts of the factory," said the source.
He said the prevailing political tension between Uhuru and Ruto teams likely informed the change of venue and list of those to speak.
“As a matter of fact, governor Mandago was scheduled to introduce and talk on behalf of the local politicians unless otherwise. Deputy President Ruto is also expected at the event,” added the source.
Rivatex Managing Director Prof Thomas Kipkurgat said preparation to receive the President and his entourage were completed.
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