President Ruto to grace thanksgiving rally in Tharaka Nithi

Sports CS Ababu Namwamba, PS Jonathan Mueke and Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki inspect the Kirubia stadium in Tharaka Nithi County. [Phares Mutembei, Standard]

"He is very particular using this field on his maiden visit to Tharaka Nithi since he became president. We intend to hold our thanksgiving prayer here and we hope by the time he comes, he will find this field in a much better shape than it is today," Njuki added.

Mr Namwamba said while he had suspended all stadium projects across the country, Kirubia and Moi stadium in Embu will be exceptions.

"This project is very dear to the Ruto. It is also a project that perhaps explains, and a manifestation of tribulations he went through. Many times the President who initiated this project could not even be allowed to sniff around this ground," he said.

The Embu stadium will be host to this year's Madaraka celebrations, said the CS.

"So, we want this (Kirubia) to be a symbol of the resilience of the President. We want him to land here in style when this facility is ready for his arrival," Namwamba said.

Speaking at Nkarini in Tharaka recently, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki confirmed the president would visit the region. Prof Kindiki told residents that President Ruto will be visiting Mt Kenya East counties soon and tasked area leaders and residents to prepare to welcome him.

"We will make sure we boost security because it is important for our country as we seek to achieve economic development. The President is going to come here. He will come to be with us in Tharaka Nithi and Meru. He will also visit Embu and other areas," Kindiki said.

"President Ruto's government is keen to complete all the stalled projects and launch new ones," he added.

He said County Commissioner Norbert Komora and Governor Njuki will convene a meeting of leaders to compile a report on administrative areas and their needs.