High expectations and anxiety as Kisumu readies to welcome Uhuru

Ongoing renovation at Kisumu Boys round about along Kakamega Road in Kisumu County ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations. (Collins Oduor, Standard )

Kisumu town is a hive of activity ahead of Madaraka Day celebrations on Tuesday.

Rehearsals by the Kenya Defence Forces and other entertainment groups were in top gear yesterday. Jet fighters and parachuters left many residents excited ahead of the celebrations.

The hospitality sector has recorded huge business with hotel bookings increasing despite restrictions on the number of people who will attend the event physically.

ODM leader Raila Odinga, Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o and Nyanza MPs flew to Kisumu soon after meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House in Nairobi on Friday.

Raila drove to his Riat home where he reportedly met a few local leaders. Sources hinted that the President may visit the home.

The county government has deployed cleaners who are even washing the streets in readiness for the visitors, who include heads of government from the East African Community and diplomats.