Kisumu governor Jack Ranguma skips Orange Democratic Movement summons

Kisumu deputy governor Ruth Odinga (left) and Kisumu county assembly chief whip Isaiah Onyango after appearing before ODM disciplinary committee chaired by Fred Athuo (center) in Kisumu yesterday to end the county assembly stalemate .[PHOTO/COLLINS ODUOR/STANDARD]

Kisumu, Kenya - Governor Jack Ranguma failed to appear before the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) disciplinary committee which is tasked to end wrangles that has been affecting the assembly.

The committee had summoned Ranguma, his Deputy Ruth Odinga and the assembly Chief Whip Isaiah Onyango last week.

Only Ms Odinga and Mr Onyango made to the sessions yesterday.

The committee's chairperson Fred Athuok said the governor had engagements elsewhere but had earlier communicated to be slotted in the 9am session.

"Mr Ranguma requested us to slot him at 9am but we could not hold our sessions there because Prosperity House building is not accessible to one of our members, Nominated Senator Harold Kipchumba," said Mr Athuok.

The Prosperity building which apart from the governor's office, houses a number of National Government offices including Huduma Centre, has 18 floors but lacks a disability friendly access paths.

Nominated MCA Caroline Agwanda who represents the persons with disabilities (PWDs) has on many occasions claimed that lack of accessibility to the offices has kept off most PWDs from seeking services, while those who visit the office are served from outside the building.

Thus, the seating was moved to The Vic hotel. The committee waited for Ranguma who had gone Muhoroni to launch an ambulance and other projects.

"We remain in contact with the governor's office and we shall work on another schedule to have Ranguma appear," said Athuok.

big challenge

He revealed that the evidence they had gathered reveal that devolution is a big challenge coming from a system of local authorities in the previous dispensation.

"We have a new crop of MCAs but are still facing these challenges, but once  MCAs understand the new system, everything will fall into place," said Athuok.

Kisumu Senator Peter Anyang Nyong'o had appeared before the committee two weeks ago.

A day before, some residents had accused ODM of running down the county and asked Ranguma and Ms Odinga to snub the sittings.

The residents on Sunday held a demonstration against the summoning of Ranguma, claiming that the continued intervention of the party into issues facing the county government has been interfering with service delivery.

Ms Odinga however lashed out at his boss for not appearing before the committee questioning his goodwill in ending the problems bedeviling the county.

The five-member committee comprise Athuok, Kipchumba, Mombasa Women Rep Mishi Mboko, Jamal Mohammed and and Halima Shinke.