Accompanied by his deputy, William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga; Uhuru launched various facilities including a male ward with capacity of 200 patients, funeral home, medical school among other projects.
Uhuru said that Kisii County had benefited in the Sh1.5 Billion set aside for the sector, which he said had led to the upgrading of Kisii and Gucha hospitals and Nyamachea Health Centre.
The leaders who were hosted by area governor James Ongwae, alongside Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i lauded the hard work of the governor in transforming the county.
President Uhuru promised Governor Ongwae national government support in the completion of projects in the county. Such include the completion of Suneka Airstrip, construction of 300-kilometre road network worth Sh14bn and paying debts of tea farmers once audit is done.
The leaders lauded the 2018 Handshake between President Uhuru and ODM leader Raila Odinga, saying it brought peace necessary for development.
Deputy President William Ruto lauded the reconciliation talks and invited Mr Odinga to address the crowd. Raila also praised the handshake saying that Kenyans can now attest to its importance.
He, however, appealed to nurses to resume duty and shelve their demands for allowances, saying patients were suffering.
“It is not right for the patients to suffer or die just because nurses have gone on strike,” Odinga said.
He said that Government is burdened by wage bill and Kenyan workers ought to understand that salary increment demands may be difficult to address.
Uhuru seemed to be reading from the script. He said: “We cannot be in a situation where we only think of our bellies but not service to Kenyans. How can we keep thinking of salary increments to the President, Deputy President, Governor, and MCA…and we do not bother about giving services first?”
Uhuru launched what appears to be thin-veiled dig at those he perceives to be sabotaging war on graft. He urged them to stop politicising war on graft.
He gave an allusion saying: “If Matiang’i steals, will he share the loot with you or he will have to carry his burden alone? If I steal, will I share it with people of Ichaweri or I will carry my own cross?”
Let us not politicize war on graft.”