Opposition legislators who declared their support for the Kenya Kwanza government immediately after the last general elections are urging the government to implement President William Ruto’s promises to Nyanza residents urgently.
They believe fulfilling these promises is essential for making political inroads in the region.
Legislators David Ochieng (Ugenya), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), and Felix Oduor, also known as Jalang’o (Lang’ata), expressed that Nyanza residents frequently question them about the unfulfilled promises, making it difficult to promote both the government and Kenya Kwanza policies.
They were speaking at Gangu village in Asembo, Rarieda Sub County, during the burial of the late Jackson Nyunja Owalo, the elder brother of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo.
David Ochieng, Ugenya MP and leader of the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) party, emphasized that the primary challenge for Kenya Kwanza in the region is not the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) or its leader, Raila Odinga, but a government that fails to meet the demands of the locals.
“All Nyanza residents want is an equitable share of resources and the fulfilment of promises,” Ochieng stated.
“The president was here last year and promised a lot of things, and these people are asking us where the promises are,” he told mourners, including Head of Public Service Felix Koskei and Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu.
Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda pleaded with the Head of Public Service to ensure some of the president’s promises are included in the next financial year’s budget.
“If some promises are included in the next financial year’s budget, it would be a firm confirmation that we are working with the government,” said Ochanda, who was elected on an ODM party ticket.
Cabinet Secretaries Owalo and Machogu called for patience and assured Nyanza residents of the government’s commitment to ensuring the region’s development alongside the rest of the country.
Felix Koskei on his part assured the leaders and residents that the government remains committed to fulfilling the promises despite financial constraints.
The burial ceremony was also attended by former Rarieda legislators Raphael Tuju and Nicholas Gumbo, as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy.
