Elders from the western region have urged politicians from the area to set aside their political differences to foster development that is derailing economically, with the majority of its population ailing in poverty.
Speaking at Buyosi area in Busia County at the home of former MP for Nambale Philip Masinde who is also the chairman of Western Elders, The Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi called on the political leadership to unite for development and economic growth.
Mudavadi challenged leaders to support the current regime of Kenya Kwanza noting that they have wasted a lot of time in opposition benefiting little at the expectation of citizens.
He spoke at the convention that brought together elders from the counties of Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga and Trans Nzoia.
The Prime CS noted that the region has lagged behind and wasted so much time as a result of differences brought about by opposing political stands and ideologies.
“Poverty in Western Kenya region is visible and is now at an alarming stage. This is the only region where development has been ignored and people only chat about the politics of disunity,” said Musalia.
He added that Western Kenya will adopt a 3-agenda approach which will focus on Growth, Equity and Sustainability, to grow the region economically.
His sentiments were echoed by Busia Governor Dr. Paul Nyongesa Otuoma, who asked the constituents to take stock of where they want to place the region on the map of Kenya in terms of economic growth and sustainability with reference to other regions.
“Politics and resource allocation go hand in hand. This calls for a mechanism on how to use political influence to manage resources and advance development projects for any region,” said Dr. Otuoma.
The Governor noted that he is willing to work with the Kenya Kwanza government to give Busia County a new look economically and socially.
“I am ready to work with the government through the stewardship of our elder brother the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to come up with ways that will ensure the economic revival of the Western Kenya region,” he said.
On the other hand, Nambale MP Geoffrey Mulanya, said western region has the numbers to lead the country only if they unite.
Several elders led by Philip Masinde noted that they will try to reach out to all leaders for a single goal of development.
“We are talking to our leaders with the main purpose of ensuring that the community is united in confronting the challenges facing our people. They can compete politically but remain friends and focus on the ball,” said Masinde.
“We need to speak in one voice for us to see to it that Mumias Sugar Company and the ailing Nzoia Sugar Company are back to full operation. Our cotton factories should be revived as well as our agricultural sector. All these will only be achieved if we aim to work with the administration that is in power, through the support we give to our senior leaders in government led by Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetangula,” said Masinde.
During the meeting that was attended by King Nabongo Mumia, Mudavadi was crowned a member of the Western Kenya Region Council of elders.
By Absalom Namwalo and Thomas Ndagwa
