West Pokot Governor hits back at critics, accuses them of peddling cheap propaganda to divide locals

West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin addresses the press at Kapenguria town where he said that the planned disarmament by the government on border areas is welcomed insisting that it should not target any community. 08.05.2015. [PHOTO/Peter Ochieng/STANDARD]

Governor Simon Kachapin has maintained that no distraction from political opponents will deter him from delivering services to the public.

Speaking in Kapenguria town, the governor said his administration is steadfast in ensuring they deliver on promises contained in his manifesto.

Mr Kachapin said recent ranking of counties performance by Infotrak that placed the county among top performing counties is an indicator that leadership is on the right track.

"I am aware some politicians want to distract my agenda of transforming the county but I assure residents of my commitment to change the previous narrative that West Pokot can never prosper," he said.

The governor, without mentioning names, lashed at a section of leaders from the county who he said are afraid of his leadership qualities and projects that have been established.

"I know they are politicians who have already started campaigning ahead of the 2017 general election but it is too early and they should instead work for the people and deliver what we promised," he said.

CHEAP PROPAGANDA

Kachapin said any leader who has a bone to pick with the way the county is being run should seek dialogue instead of criticism and "cheating residents that nothing has been done since we took over".

The governor made it clear that his government has not misused funds saying anyone who can prove otherwise should make use of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.

"We want leaders to be objective in their talk and stop spreading cheap propaganda that will divide locals who are yearning for better lives," he said.

Kachapin spoke in light of the recent Commission on Revenue Allocation report which singled out the county as one of the best performing after it surpassed its revenue collection target.

"My government is in the process of rolling out automated revenue collection in order to seal loopholes and leakages so as to strengthen its collections. We have a number of projects also in the works and those who cannot see this must have a defect," he said.