Situation as Thousands Escort Ruto in Kisii Town as He Leaves Hi Motorcade to Walk on Foot, Details

President William Ruto has stepped out of his motorcade and started walking through Kisii town, with thousands of residents escorting him on foot as he heads to the ATC grounds.

The walkabout has unfolded live on the President’s official Facebook page, and this report has drawn on that broadcast together with details shared by people following the proceedings from the ground.

Hundreds more residents have already gathered at the ATC grounds, where the main event has been set to take place.

The President has moved towards the venue on foot, a change from the vehicles that have carried him around the county over the past few days.

He has been joined on the walk by several leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement, among them Cabinet Secretary Joho, Governors Wanga and Nasir, and Senator Ole Kina. Kisii Governor Simba Arati has also been part of the group.

Mr Ruto has lined up a final meeting with Gusii residents at the grounds, which will bring his four-day tour to a close.

The tour has centred on roads, markets, electricity and water projects across Kisii and Nyamira. Earlier today, the President has launched last-mile connectivity works on the Keroka-Ibacho-Kiamokama road in Nyaribari Masaba, where he has drawn a large crowd.

The presence of ODM figures at his side has stood out in a region that has long been seen as an ODM stronghold.

Observers have described the tour as an effort to win back ground in the Gusii region, and the walk through the town centre has given that effort a very public face.

Security officers have stayed close to the President as the procession has moved through the town, and the pace has been slow because of the size of the crowd.

Local leaders have pushed for years for better roads and services in the area, and the final address is likely to be watched closely for what it says about how the projects launched during the tour will move from ceremony to completion.

More details have yet to emerge from the ATC grounds, and updates will follow as he speaks.

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