Bungoma, Kenya: A section of leaders from Western region have admonished the residents for supporting the opposition while complaining that they have been left behind on matters of development.
The leaders said the residents should not expect the Government to help them if they continue playing opposition politics. However, the same leaders also pleaded with the Government to consider for appointments to members of the community.
MPs who spoke included Boniface Otsiula (Bumula), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), John Bunyasi (Nambale), John Serut (Mt. Elgon), Janet Nangabo (Trans Nzoia women Representative), Ayub Savula (Lugari), Malulu Injendi (Malava), Yusuf Chanzu (Vihiga), Reginalda Wanyonyi (Bungoma women Representative), Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East), Eugene Wamalwa (New Ford-K leader), Mary Emase (Teso South).
The meeting also saw topics on sugar problems facing the region and calls for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to drop cases facing President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto dominate. Speaking during the homecoming of Bumula MP Boniface Otsiula held at Mungore primary school grounds, graced by Deputy President William Ruto, the MPs also said they will work with the Government for purposes of development of the region.
‘You should not expect the Government to help you if you do not support it,’ said Wanyama The leaders called for the representation of the Luhya community in the Government so that ‘we can feel part of it”. ‘We ask the Jubilee administration to consider the Luhya community in appointments so that they can feel part of this Government,’ said Mr. Savula.
‘We must join the Government so that we can benefit from it instead of criticizing,’ said Nangabo. Ms Wanyonyi rallied behind other leaders in pleading with the Government to consider the community for more appointments.
We appreciate the fact that we have Prof. Judy Wakhungu in Cabinet. But we plead for more appointments so that we can be well represented in this Government,’ said Wanyonyi. Wamalwa on his part, said leaders in the region have resolved to support the Government saying time for politics is over.
Washiali joined hands with other western leaders in urging the Government to consider giving more appointments to members of the community. Teso South MP Mary Emase told members of western to stop opposing the work of the Government and instead should support it for the sake of development.
Ruto said the Luhya community is part of the Government and will continue to be part of it. He said Government appointments are not yet over and that the Luhya community just like the other Kenyan communities will benefit from it. He said the Jubilee administration is ready to work with leaders and residents from the region for the sake of development. ‘We are open, transparent, and serious and committed to work with all citizens of this country for the sake of development,’ said Ruto.
The Deputy President asked leaders in the area to forget their political differences and take a common stand in solving the problems facing the people. ‘Our agenda for this region is development. We are not interested in how your plan about your politics. That is your own issue as people of Western. What we want for now is to serve the people,’ said Ruto.
‘We have not come here to engage in politics but we are ready to work with you. Time for politics is over. It is now time to work,’ he added. Uasin-Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago appealed to residents of Western region to support the Government, noting that time for politics is over.
‘You are our neighbours and there is no need for you to continue criticizing a Government that is near you. Support it for your own benefit,’ said Mandago. Governor Ken Lusaka said the county government will continue to work closely with the national government for the benefit of the people.
Lusaka asked leaders to respect one another and take a common stand in solving the problems facing the people. Marakwet East MP David Bowen urged the Government to help uplift living standards among sugar cane farmers, saying there was no need to import sugar when farmers in the country can produce in large quantities.
–standardmedia.co.ke
