Give us time to deliver on our promises Nyanza Governors

Governors from Kenya’s Nyanza region have accused their critics of pressuring them to deliver on their campaign mandates despite the counties facing a myriad of challenges among them lack of qualified personnel and resources.

Governors Okoth Obado (Migori), Cornel Rasanga (Siaya), Jack Ranguma (Kisumu), Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay) and John Nyangarama (Nyamira) said it was unfair for their critics to continue pressuring them instead of giving them time to improve the economies of their counties.

The five Governors called on the leaders from the region and the critics to join them in the development agenda in order to make the region an economic hub.

They said quality service delivery can only be achieved if all elected leaders and their supporters joined hands with county governments with an aim of improving lives.

Speaking in Alego, Siaya County during a fundraiser on Sunday, the Governors expressed optimism that by the time of going to the ballot, they will have accomplished a great portion of their campaign promises to the electorate.

They further expressed optimism that they will be re-elected come 2017 to serve for a second term as per the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

Governor Awiti challenged their critics not to compare their (Governors’) performance with anybody’s saying that devolution is a new thing in Kenya and has not matured to start being compared.

On his part, Governor Ranguma said that a lot has been achieved under the devolved system of governance saying that there is need to strengthen it even more as this will lead to more development and resources to populations at the grassroots.

At the same time, he accused the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA) for embezzling funds meant for roads construction, something he says has tainted his image as the residents believe that it is his government that has been embezzling public funds.

He called for devolution of more functions to the counties including education and roads saying this will end the constant wrangles between the county and national governments.

Migori’s Obado accused the local leaders of spending most of their time discussing minor issues like whether Governors should fly flags or not instead of concentrating on development issues and helping the Governors serve the electorate even better.

Governor Nyangarama said that elected leaders should learn to co-exist and work with the governors despite their dislike for them.

Governors have been on the spotlight over what has been termed as misappropriation of public funds and lack of clear visions for their constituents.