Leaders from Taita Taveta have vowed to work with the government for the benefit of the area.
The leaders noted that irrespective of political affiliations, they are ready to partner with anyone who has the interest of the residents at heart.
Speaking in Nairobi led by the Taita Taveta Governor, Andrew Mwadime, the leaders noted that the county has lagged behind in many issues and it's time to work with the government for development.
''I have been engaging with the government through President William Ruto and his Cabinet Secretaries so that our land can develop to benefit the locals. I have also engaged with JICA to ensure water is brought to tour people,'' Mwadime said.
Mwadime has been the MP for Mwatate Constituency since 2013 with Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and vied on the same party garnering 49,901 votes to floor Granton Samboja in last year's General Election.
The County boss distanced himself from the ongoing Azimio La Umoja rallies saying it's time for delivering services to the people.
Behind us
''Time for politicking is over. We cannot put the country in an election mood every time pretending to be advocating for our people,'' he said. ''Election is behind us and we are meeting anyone who has the interest of our people at heart, and thus why we are leaning towards the Head of State.''
Mwadime hinted that through his working relationship with the government, President Ruto is expected to visit the areas this month with goodies.
''There are plans that the Head of State will be visiting Taita Taveta and as leaders, we have to lay the foundation to receive him. We have many challenges facing us which include water, road network, minerals, and education,'' he said. Taita Taveta MP, Lydia Haika Mizighi, speaking on behalf of elected leaders, said people have moved on and there was no need of returning to the country in an election mood.
''We are not part of the demonstration that some people have been calling across the country. We are four months down the line in office and they want to take us to their bandwagon? We will not allow it,'' she said.
''We want to know how our people will benefit, not teach us in demonstrations. We will only work with leaders who will improve our living standards, not their personal interests.''
Coast Development Authority, Dorcas Jibran appealed to President Ruto to appoint someone from the area in the Wildlife and Tourism ministry saying the area hosts major national wildlife reserves but other areas benefit little.
Value to sector
''Taita Taveta is a major and critical stakeholder in the wildlife and tourism sector. We appeal to the President to appoint one of the professionals from the County so that they can add tremendous value to the sector,'' she said.
Sam Mwanyasi thanked the government for extending an olive branch to the leaders and said there is no reason why they can continue staying in the opposition.
''We are cognisant that development has endeared our people to the government in diverse areas like infrastructure, human social capital, and natural resources. We celebrate the appointment of our own Shadrack Mwadime, as PS, Shipping and Maritime Affairs among others,'' he said.
"We're happy to note that our leadership has resolved to work with government for the sake of developing our area which had been neglected over the years.
