Residents of Homa Bay County were shocked to find that the County Government officials boycotted this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in the county.
During the celebrations held at Sero Vocational Training Centre in Homa Bay Sub County on Sunday, none of the top county government officials was present at the event.
Only Homa Bay Central MCA, Julius Nyambok attended the function but he left the venue immediately after realising that his colleagues were not in attendance.
The county officials’ absence was in stark contrast to the previous Mashujaa Day celebrations in the county where they used to attend and offer financial support.
The county officials were always led by Governor Cyprian Awiti. But Deputy Governor Hamilton Orata used to lead the officials in case of Awiti’s absence.
But today, none of the county executive officials and employees was spotted at the function.
The Homa Bay County Commissioner (CC), Harman Shambi who presided over the function called for unity between county and national government officials.
Shambi argued that the truce between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga should be embraced by all government officials in all cadres.
“I am calling on all leaders to devolve the handshake from the national to the county level,” Shambi said.
On his part, the Homa Bay Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Kimutai Ng’eny, said that the county government officials should have attended the function to inform residents on their development plans.
“I have given an opportunity to recognise the county government officials but they are nowhere to be seen. I expected them to be here and speak to residents of their development agenda,” said Ng’eny.
Absence of the county officials also infuriated the county residents.
“I am disappointed that the county government officials are not here. This is the forum where we wanted them to address us on services they are supposed to deliver,” said Walter Obonyo, a resident.
Even the business community expressed their disappointment.
“I came here specifically to inform the county government officials of the problems we face at Rodi Kopany market and get their reactions. I am unhappy,” said Pamela Akinyi, a trader.
Contacted for comments, the Homa Bay County Government Communications Director, Maurice Kaluoch denied that the county government snubbed the function.
Kaluoch said Governor Awiti who was expected to attend the function was unwell and resting at his home.
“The governor was expected to attend the function but he is sick and recuperating at home,” said Kaluoch.
He argued that Mashujaa Day was so important that the county government could not snub.
By Davis Langat