Ruth Odinga: Kisumu County Assembly should pack and go

Kisumu, Kenya: Kisumu County Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga says it is time the county assembly packed and went home for what she terms as failing in its oversight role.

Ruth is now faulting a section of Kisumu Members of County Assembly ( MCAs) for condoning corruption, arguing that the MCAs should be recalled for dinning with the county's executive even as public resources are allegedly squandered.

"It tells a very pathetic story of an assembly that has lost its mandate, since they should have been at the first line of defence to the constitution. It paints a picture of an assembly that has gone to bed with the executive and made a pact to partner in the plunder of public resources", said Ruth in a statement sent to The Standard.

Ruth's statement comes a few days after three MCAs petitioned the Senate to begin probe into alleged corruption scandals that have bedevilled the county government. The petition that was tabled in the Senate on Wednesday March 4, 2015 by Kisumu Senator Anyang' Nyong'o, was signed by MCAs Joseph Osano (Chemelil), Elijah Omondi ( Central Nyakach) and Aggrey Ogosi (East Seme) alleging various instances of corruption, which the ward representatives claimed have crippled service delivery in the county.

The Deputy Governor is now tearing into the county assembly, terming it a let down even after it is clear that things have stalled in Governor Ranguma's government.

"I want to thank God for the few souls in that assembly who still sit back and remember their call of duty. I salute them for taking that very bold and dangerous position for the sake of the good people of this county. I truly believe that the senate will hear their prayers favourably", said Ruth.

She added: "Why would they talk of impeaching others when they themselves have failed the people who elected them? From this senate petition and ODM task force report, if it is anything to go by, the people should recall them," said Ruth.

Ruth has been in constant disagreement with Governor Ranguma over his leadership style, the major one being the management of development projects, which Ruth faults her boss as being insensitive to use of public funds.