Mudavadi rallies MPs in unity show
Parliamentarians from the former Western province region yesterday met Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi where they resolved to work together for the development of the region.
The MPs led by the region MPs’ caucus chair and Sirisia MP John Waluke met Mudavadi at a breakfast meeting in Nairobi and expressed commitment to the unity of the region.
The leaders drawn from across the political divide and the five counties of Vihiga, Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia as well as those from Nairobi emphasised the need to unite and champion the interests of the region together.
Held at a Nairobi hotel, the meeting—the first of its kind coming after the gruelling electioneering period—brought MPs from the region to a joint sitting with a common agenda of unity and development being the focus.
The leaders resolved to henceforth work together and consult each other on matters beneficial to the region under the leadership of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula who had sent his absence apology.
The Prime CS also used the meeting to congratulate the leaders, as he called on them to put aside political differences and forge a united working relationship that is beneficial to the people of western Kenya.
“If I stepped on you, forgive me. It has been a game of politics but it’s time we all now put that behind us and forge a united team,” said Mudavadi adding: “Elections are over and it’s time to heal, and hug each other and say ‘sorry it was just elections’ and move on for the sake of development of our communities. I, therefore, cannot overemphasize the need to work together, even if we don’t like each other.”
Ethnic barriers
Noting that the last election tried to cut the ethnic barriers that have been experienced in the past, the Prime Cabinet Secretary urged the leaders to put aside their political affiliation egos and prioritise the interest of the region and approach issues affecting the people from a united front.
“I want us to start talking and engaging each other from all fronts. I want you to know that I am free and available for you. As we said during the campaigns, this is an open Government and as such, let us be free with each other,” he told the legislators.
Among the MPs present included those who ditched Mudavadi’s political party, ANC, for ODM. They are Titus Khamala (Lurambi), Tindi Mwale, Innocent Mugabe (Likuyani) and Christopher Aseka (Khwisero). Others were Senators Bonni Khalwale (Kakamega), Okiya Omtatah (Busia), Allan Chesang’ (Trans Nzoia), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili), Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North), Omboko Milemba (Emuhaya), Malulu Injendi (Malava), Mary Emase (Teso South), Elsie Muhanda (Kakamega Woman Rep), Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani) and Beatrice Adagala (Vihiga Woman Rep).
Also present was Ernest Kagesi (Vihiga), Dick Maungu (Luanda), Kakai Bisau (Kiminini), Clement Sloya (Sabatia), Patrick Simiyu (Cherangany), Peter Salasya (Mumias East), Lillian Siyoi (Trans Nzoia Woman Rep), Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), Charles Gimose (Hamisi), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Godfrey Odanga (Matayos) and Tim Wanyonyi (Westlands).
The meeting, a first in a series of similar ones planned for the future, took a glimpse on the development projects that need the urgent attention of the government that include the revival of the sugar sector starting with the collapsed Mumias Sugar Factory.
Mudavadi called on the leaders to take stock of the audited projects and compare with what is on the ground to ascertain their existence.
“There are instances where what is in paper is not on the ground. Projects are filed as to have been completed but in reality, money has been swindled and there no projects. Such are the issues that you need to bring to our attention,” he said.
