Owalo tells Nyanza residents to keep off Azimio protests
By George OdiwuorGovernment officials from Nyanza have asked their community members to support President William Ruto as he plans to embark on the initiation of development projects for the lake region.
The state officers said failure to support the government’s agenda will slow down development.
ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, Transport and Industrialisation Chief Administrative Secretary Evans Kidero (CAS), Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency Chairman Odoyo Owidi, and Fisheries Marketing Authority Chairman Martin Ogindo said the only way people in Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, and Homa Bay counties will develop is if they accept to be led by President Ruto.
The region voted for Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga in the last election.
Mr Odinga enjoys massive support from voters in the four countries.
During the Azimio protests, residents in these areas consistently took to the streets when their leaders asked them to do so.
But Mr Owalo said street protests will not solve any challenge that is faced by the region.
Instead, he said problems can be addressed if leaders from Nyanza work with the government.
He expressed concerns over waves of violence that have been witnessed in the region when Azimio leaders try to push the government to lower the cost of living.
He said the government is committed to undertaking development projects in the region but only if there is a conducive environment for such projects.
“Chaos witnessed in Nyanza during Azimio demonstrations can hamper the government’s efforts to undertake development projects. We are committed to ensuring challenges affecting Kenyans are addressed,” Mr Owalo said.
Among the projects he said the government will undertake in the region include flood mitigation.
Mr Owalo proposed the construction of dykes to control water movement and water storage for irrigation.
He spoke when he distributed relief food to flood victims in Suba South constituency in Homa Bay County.
He told leaders who oppose the government to keep off saying it is not time to engage in politics.
The CS also told residents to avoid being used by politicians to participate in protests against the government.
Instead, he told them to focus on developing the nation.
His sentiments were echoed by Dr Kidero who asked residents to take advantage of the long rains to grow crops.
According to the former Nairobi governor, the region has the potential to be the national food basket.
“Recently the government provided subsidized fertilizer. All farmers should take advantage of the programme to engage in agriculture,” Dr Kidero said.
He announced plans by his ministry to support county governments in setting up Industrialisation parks and explained that Homa Bay will be the first county to benefit from the programme.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi who defended his move of supporting President Ruto despite being elected on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.
He said he has been lobbying for development projects for his constituents.
Among the projects he said he wants the government to undertake in Suba South are road construction, rural electrification, and ICT projects.
Mr Owidi said the lake region may not achieve its desired economic growth if residents continue perpetrating violence against the government.
According to him, some of the problems faced by Kenyans can be solved by parliament or the court.
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