'Handshake' gave us peace of mind, says administrator

Kisumu county commissioner Pauline Dolla speaking during a security meeting over boarder conflict in Muhoroni.

Government officials are some of the biggest beneficiaries of the unity pact between President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga, a Kisumu administrator has said.

Kisumu County Commissioner Pauline Dola said State officials working in opposition strongholds used to endure sleepless nights over frequent street demonstrations and violence before the two leaders reunited in March last year.

"The people of Kisumu were hostile to most of us. They never wanted to associate with Government or hear about its projects," Ms Dola told media in Kisumu yesterday.

The administrator listed development projects that the State had lined up for the region and asked the residents to support them.

Dola said the Government planned to build special economic zones (SEZs) in Muhoroni Constituency at a cost of Sh3 billion. The SEZs, she added, would spur industrial growth, and create 24,000 new jobs for residents.

"This is why we want you to stop bickering when the Government is bringing good development for you, and support the March 9, 2018 handshake," she said.

Dola said the Kisumu Port, which is under construction, would boost the region's economy. She appealed to youth to stop engaging in deviant behaviours that could expose them to criminal acts or violent extremism. "We ask our good children to run away from activities that expose them to violence or deviance, and instead learn to forgive and live in peace," Dola said, adding it was better to emulate Uhuru and Raila who had shaken hands and buried the hatchet.