MPs: We’ll remain in CORD but work with Jubilee

By RENSON MNYAMWEZI

Taita-Taveta, Kenya: CORD MPs in Taita-Taveta County have resolved to work with the Jubilee Government to foster development in the marginalised region.

MPs Joyce Wanjala Lay and Jones Mlolwa said their resolve to work with the Government should not be misconstrued to mean they had abandoned the coalition that sponsored them to Parliament.

Addressing women leaders in the region during the launch of the Table Banking Concept by Deputy President William Ruto’s wife, Rachael, yesterday, the ODM legislators said their resolution to work with the government was in good faith and in the spirit of development.

The legislators said political parties were vehicles to sponsor leaders to Parliament and should not be used to divide Kenyans.

“There’s no way the region can realise growth without working with the government of the day. We are committed to work with the Jubilee administration to address issues affecting the region like poor roads, lack of water and poverty,” said Mlolwa, who is Voi MP.

Those who accompanied Mrs Ruto were Governor John Mruttu, Mwatate MP Andrew Mwadime, Nominated Senator Mvita Msenga, Nominated MP Sonia Birdi, Garissa Women Representative Shukran Hussein Gure, former Cabinet Minister Major (rtd) Marsden Madoka and Deputy Governor Mary Ndiga Kibuka, Ward Representatives and women leaders.

Ms Lay said some ODM leaders were opposed to Mrs Ruto’s tour of the area claiming that the region was a CORD zone.

“It had been difficult for me to bring the Deputy President’s wife in the region. There were some leaders who were asking me why I am inviting Rachael to a CORD stronghold,” said the women representative.

She said she would remain focused on progressive programmes aimed at eradicating poverty in the region,

“Majority of women are suffering at home because they are not aware of their rights in the Constitution. They need to be trained and given credit facilities to improve their socio-economic status,” she said.

Mrs Ruto said women play an important role in nation building and should be economically empowered.

“If you empower women you are empowering the whole nation. Empowering women with information will ensure they can make informed ecision before embarking on any business venture,” said the DP’s spouse.

“We want to provide women with knowledge to not only enable them tackle their day today challenges but also to take care of funds,” she added. Mrs Ruto said there were many success stories of Table Banking initiatives in other parts of the country and challenged women in the region to effectively engage in business to improve their living standards.