Nyanza governors tell off critics, vow to soldier on to 2022

Four governors in Nyanza have defended their two-year development records and told those eyeing their seats to wait for 2022.

Governors Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay), Okoth Obado (Migori), Director of Administration at Harambee House Naftali Mungathia and County Executive Member for Finance Mr Nicholas Koriko seek divine intervention during a prayer function at Mawego Catholic Church. PHOTO BY COLLLINS ODUOR

Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay), Okoth Obado (Migori), Jack Ranguma (Kisumu) and Cornel Rasanga (Siaya) said that contrary to claims by some of their opponents, they have done a lot for their counties, given that devolution was a new concept filled with challenges.

The county chiefs spoke at Mawego Catholic Church on Sunday during a fundraiser in aid of the Parish at the invitation of Mr Awiti.

This is the second round of development merry–go-rounds by the governors, who have also promised to help each other defend their seats in 2017.

Last week, Awiti and his Nyamira counterpart John Nyangarama were in Migori to help Mr Obado raise funds for a women's empowerment programme. Obado later accompanied Awiti for the opening of Homa Bay County Agricultural show in Kendu Bay.

"We are just settling down for serious work and some people are already salivating at our seats. We have big plans. We want to start a bank for the Western Kenya block. The first ever bank to be owned by locals," Mr Ranguma said.

He added: "We are bringing ferries and a floating five star hotel on Lake Victoria to be managed by counties bordering the lake,"

He said the type of development projects they were planning as Nyanza governors could not be implemented immediately, hence the need to give them another chance in 2017.

"Some of these projects will take a little time, but come 2016, you will see wonders. An aircraft must taxi on the runway for some time before taking off. Our development plan is still on the run way and will take off in 2016. This is why those eyeing our seats must wait," Ranguma said.

He noted that they sought the gubernatorial seats not because they were desperate for jobs but because they wanted to make devolution succeed.

"Look at someone like Awiti. He started participating in development projects long before he became the governor. He means well for Homa Bay and should be given one more term," Ranguma said.

Mr Rasanga asked church leaders to pray for those seeking to oust the governors in 2017 "so that they could change their minds and wait for 2022."

Awiti said the new found co-operation among the governors was a sign of bigger things to come for the Luo Nyanza.

Obado said the governors would meet again in Migori in December for a church function and to continue with their development campaigns.