Uhuru appointed people from only two communities to public jobs, says wetang’ula

CORD co-principal Moses Wetang’ula (left) consoles Justice (rtd) Alex Etyang during the funeral service for Mrs Beatrice Etyang at Otum Grounds in Teso Busia County, yesterday. [PHOTO: CHRISPEN SECHERE/ STANDARD]

CORD co-principal Moses Wetang’ula has criticised recent appointments by President Uhuru Kenyatta saying they do not reflect the face of Kenya.

The Bungoma Senator said the continued appointment of people from two communities to public jobs would not help the country achieve the national unity the president and his deputy preach all the time. “Where is the unity the President keeps preaching if he only considers his community and that of Deputy President William Ruto?” asked the Ford Kenya leader.

Speaking yesterday at Kotur Primary School in Teso South, Busia County during the burial of Beatrice Etyang, wife to Justice Alex Etyang, Mr Wetang’ula challenged Jubilee leaders to consider all tribes for public jobs.

On Friday, President Kenyatta appointed former Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Kimemia and former Cabinet minister Henry Kosgey to head parastatals.

At the same time, Wetang’ula said Kenyans are disillusioned by rampant corruption and unemployment in the country and the opposition should be allowed to offer alternative government to address the challenges. “Jubilee government has incurred more debts than Kibaki’s regime because of increased corruption,” he added.

He regretted the poor turn out in voter registration in Western and appealed to local leaders to mobilise constituents to take national identification cards and register in the next phase of the exercise.

“The solution to vote out bad leaders is to have IDs and register as voters. Western has the numbers and that needs to be reflected in our voting pattern,” he noted.

Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong said his government has not incurred debts and commended the team for executing their mandate well.

“Busia County was not listed among counties with high borrowing rates. We have been able to balance our accounts and pay for services offered,” said Mr Ojaamong.

Meanwhile, Wetang’ula has clarified that he has not shelved the launch of his presidential bid in Kakamega but postponed it after Luhya elders asked for more time to prepare.

He explained that CORD co-principals Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka who were guests, also requested him to suspend the event as they were held up this weekend.

He said the party has already erected billboards in major towns and along highways in Western and acquired other promotional materials for the event.