By GRACE WEKESA

KAKAMEGA; KENYA: Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale renewed attacks on Governor Wycliffe Oparanya during Madaraka Day celebrations at Bukhungu Stadium.

Dr Khalwale accused the governor of sidelining the Senate office in decision-making process.

“Oparanya should appreciate the sentiments from the Senate office. It is the senator who will be making the case for the county in terms of fund allocation to the county government at the national level. I urge the governor not to side-line me,’’ said Khalwale.

Khalwale blamed the governor for nominating people with questionable backgrounds to the county executive committee and county public service.

He termed the nominees to Oparanya’s Cabinet as election losers and failures who didn’t have any agenda for the county’s prosperity.

 “Those nominated are election losers and people who failed in their previous appointments. Nominating them is short-changing the will of Kenyans because we need to balance power within the 12 constituencies in Kakamega County,’’ he stated.

The former Ikolomani MP also questioned funds allocated for building of a governor’s office.

“Our governor should move to former PC’s office at Block A instead of wasting tax payers money in building a new office,’’ noted Khalwale.

Lugari MP Ayub Savula also criticised Oparanya over his nominees to the Cabinet.

Additionally, Khalwale advised the governor to put in place policies and projects that benefit the public.

Speaking separately, Mumias ACK Bishop Beneah Salala demanded that Oparanya should withdraw the list of nominees and select qualified people.

Avoid matter

“Some nominees that have been shortlisted by the governor have concerns regarding their reputation. One of them was dismissed from Mumias Sugar Company for abuse of office,’’ Salala pointed out.

He observed that other counties in the spirit of transparency published their list of nominees in the media to allow public participation in the vetting process.

Oparanya declined to comment on the matter and avoided confrontation by steering away from the debate.