Residents of Luo Nyanza have been told to shun acts of political violence and create a conducive atmosphere for development to thrive.
Information, Communication (ICT) and The Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo said it was regrettable that recent violence during Azimio la Umoja One Kenya demonstrations had impacted negatively in the local socio economic development.
Owalo said that the government was committed to implementing development projects in the region to uplift the local economy.
The CS made the remarks on Sunday when he launched the distribution of relief food in Suba South and Ndhiwa constituencies in Homa Bay County.
He was accompanied by Trade and Industrialisation Chief Administrative Secretary Evans Kidero, Homa Bay County Commissioner Moses Lilan, Suba South legislator Caroli Omondi, Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency Chairman Odoyo Owidi and Fish Marketing Board Chairman Martin Ogindo.
Owalo said that the chaos which have been witnessed in the region during Azimio demonstrations can hamper the government’s efforts to undertake the projects.
“The government is committed to implementing various projects in this region but chaos destabilises such efforts. No meaningful development can be achieved if we keep throwing stones every week,” Owalo said.
He said time had come for residents to shun politics of selfish interests of politicians.
Speaking during the exercise at Nyatoto Secondary School in Suba South, Owalo urged residents to avoid being used by politicians to participate in protests against the government and that they should instead focus on development agenda.
Omondi who is an ODM MP said he had decided to cooperate with President William Ruto’s government to lobby for development projects in his constituency.
He cited roads, electrification and ICT projects which the government has begun undertaking in Suba South.
“We are going to have a tarmacked road for the first time since independence in Suba South because of my co-operation with the government,” Omondi said.
Dr Kidero said the government is committed to empowering residents to stamp out food insecurity and improve the local economy through establishment of an industrial park in Homa Bay County.
“We are giving the county government of Homa Bay Sh250m for construction of an industrial park. This will enable residents of the county to earn a living,” said Kidero
Owidi echoed Owalo’s sentiments that Nyanza region will lag behind in economic development if residents continue perpetrating violence.
He said no investor can invest in a volatile environment.
“Nyanza will not grow if we continue throwing stones. I urge our political leaders to avoid teaching our youth bad manners of throwing stones to destroy property,” Owidi said.
By Davis Langat
