Ugenya MP criticises BBI summits

Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru and Interior CS Fred Matiang'i in Kisii for the BBI summit. [Standard]

Ugenya MP David Ochieng has described the ongoing Building Bridges Initiative summits as a waste of taxpayers' money.

Ochieng challenged Nyanza governors to explain the source of funds they used to organise the BBI summit in Kisii on Friday which was attended by ODM leader Raila Odinga, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and a host of MPs.

"We are spending too much time and resources on politics when we should instead focus on development," the legislator said in Sega, Ugenya, where he distributed bursary and scholarships worth Sh12 million to bright and needy students.

Ochieng claimed constant calls to strengthen the Prime Minister position by leaders from Nyanza are cheapening the BBI debate.

He added that other communities are using the BBI report to call for development projects and improvement of their economies while Nyanza leaders are only concerned about the referendum.

Ochieng said he will use his Movement for Growth and Democracy party to come up with a better plan.

"This constant talk on a referendum is making us look like zombies. We spend so much time and resources on a referendum. The entire region has been mobilised to go to Kisii to talk about politics."

Ochieng said when President Uhuru Kenyatta met leaders from his community in Sagana, their stories revolved around how they can improve the economy of their region through agriculture, trade and infrastructure.

"The same conversation happened when Deputy President William Ruto met leaders from his community. Kamba leaders meet to advance a development agenda yet we meet as Nyanza leaders to hold conversations on a PM position," he added.

Ochieng further said Nyanza leaders should not believe that the region can only attain development if someone from the community holds the President or PM position.

On Friday, Raila and Matiang'i declared that Nyanza was supporting the BBI as a political bloc and told those still doubting the campaign to join it or face political oblivion.