Teso South MP Mary Emase has vowed to ensure the Iteso community is not left in the cold politically by making sure that the two constituencies work closely with Kenya Kwanza administration led by President Ruto.
Speaking at Alupe University during the Inauguration of the 1st Alupe University Vice Chancellor – Professor Peter Barasa, Emase urged all the political leaders from the community to work together under one umbrella to attract development in the region.
The legislator who has always been seen as the ‘Busia county iron lady’ due to her unique political stand and her fearless approach in politics now says she was ready to unite all leaders from the community to speak in one voice on development and their push for Teso county.
“I am ready to reach out to all leaders here to champion inclusivity and fight against marginalization which for a long time we have been subjected to,” said Emase.
Her sentiments come weeks after she was nominated by the community to successfully submit their proposal for the creation of Teso County to the National Dialogue Committee at the Bomas of Kenya.
“Our submission at Bomas of Kenya to the national dialogue committee was to quench a growing need for effective governance and equitable distribution of resources. A submission to ensure better planning, efficient service delivery, and promote grassroots development across the country equitably,” added Emase.
Just after the community submitted their proposal at the Bomas of Kenya, the national Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula met with Iteso leadership led by Teso North MP Oku Kaunya, Eng. Vincent Sidai, Mary Emase among other leaders.
The move by Wetangula was seen as an effort to solidify the community under one leadership that will boost their negotiating power at the national table.
The community remains confident that the proposal presented reflected the diverse voices of the Teso community and by extension aspirations of Kenyan citizens.
From her development record and influence in the Kenya Kwanza government owing that she was the only legislator elected on the UDA ticket in Busia, Emase has been seen as the link person to President Ruto’s administration.
“I want the Iteso community to have faith in the Kenya Kwanza administration. I have worked with him as an MP first when I was elected on URP ticket and now UDA. President Ruto is delivering, that is why Tesos can’t afford to be in opposition,” noted Emase.
For the past three weeks, leaders from the community have been seen working together irrespective of their political stand. More interesting, former governor Sospeter Ojaamong for the first time made an open appearance in public ever since he lost election.
Emase has now prioritized unifying the community, urging leaders to give her opportunity as she had what it takes to take the community in the right direction.
She urged the leaders in Busia to support the learning institutions within Busia County as it was only through acquiring relevant skills that hundreds of youths idling in Busia County can overcome the high poverty index.
Her sentiments were echoed by Teso North MP Oku Kaunya who urged VC prof. Barasa to consider the community when it comes to casual and semi-skilled jobs.
The two legislators vowed to do what it takes by ensuring they sponsor hundreds of youths to the university under NG-CDF.
By Absalom Namwalo
