Calls to lower cost of living dominate as Kenyans shun fete in counties

Kenya Ports Authority dancers entertain guests during Madaraka Day celebrations at Mama Ngina waterfront in Mombasa. [Omondi Onyango, Standard] Low turnout, complaints over the high cost of living as well as calls on the government to address insecurity in some parts of the country were the highlights of the 61st Madaraka Day celebrations in counties. A spot check by The Standard team across several counties established that most Kenyans and elected leaders chose not to attend the celebrations. In some counties like Kisumu, only officials from the national government attended the celebrations. Senior county government officials claimed that their leadership had travelled to attend the national function in Bungoma. In Mount Kenya and Coastal regions, debates over Muguka ban dominated speeches and performances, with leaders vowing to continue fighting for the crop. In Embu, group presentations and entertainment also focused on the stimulant issue that is the main crop of the semi-arid Mbeere. Governor Cecily Mbarire reiterated that the county leadership will not relent in the fight against Muguka ban in the Coastal counties of Mombasa, Kilifi and Taita Taveta. Mbarire urged all leaders to participate in an inter-county meeting to be convened by the Ministry of Agriculture on Thursday next week as directed by the President who met Embu leaders on Monday. But in contrast, Coastal leaders and residents continued with their spite against Muguka and Miraa. The Sunday Standard learned that all MPs from the region would convene on Monday under the auspice of the Coast Parliamentary Group (CPG) to "re-energize the war on drugs." An invite to MPs sent by CPG chairman, Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako, and the Secretary, Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza said the meeting would arrive at a common stand on Muguka. On Saturday, Mombasa Governor, Abdulswamad Nassir, said the time to talk with Muguka traders was over and he is determined to continue with the war to save the people. "Figures from traders show that Mombasa residents spend Sh7 billion on Muguka per year. This is more than what we spend on Sukuma Wiki," said Nassir. He added: "After Muguka, I will head to the bar owners who operate close to schools, residences and places of worship. We must make sure that Mombasa is free from drugs." Mombasa County Commissioner Noor Mohamed assured residents that the government is steadfast in fighting drugs and substance abuse in the county. In Taita Taveta, Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo supported the ban on stimulants, saying if the sale and consumption are allowed to continue in the Coast region, it would wipe out a productive generation. Speaking at Mwatate Primary School during the county celebrations, Kilalo and other leaders warned the national government against lifting the ban on Muguka. Mwatate MP Peter Shake criticized President William Ruto for overturning the ban on Muguka by Mombasa and Kilifi counties. In Western and Nyanza, only a handful of residents attended this year's Madaraka Day celebrations in Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, Kisumu, Siaya and Migori counties. In Busia County, leaders who attended the event at Otimong' Primary School urged the government to beef up security in the area. They decried rampant cases of criminal incidents in most parts of the county. Area County Commissioner Mwachaunga Chaunga was challenged to enhance security and protect businesses, lives, and property. "The insecurity being experienced within town and rural areas is alarming with traders being targeted by thugs who rob them," said a section of the residents. Busia Deputy Governor Arthur Odera asked the residents to involve themselves in climate change activities and also ensure they engage in food production. In Kakamega, only a handful of residents turned up at Approved School grounds to celebrate Madaraka Day fete. Local leaders skipped the event In Vihiga, it was business as usual as residents went about their duties. Meanwhile, in Narok, Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu said the county has just endured a challenging season of heavy rains that has severely damaged key infrastructure across all 30 wards. "Recognizing the urgent need for restoration, my administration plans to repair the damaged bridges and roads across all the wards and we are mobilizing equipment to ensure that the reconstruction starts without delay," said Ntutu. Nyandarua Deputy Governor John Mathara called for unity for developmental progress among Mt Kenya leaders warning that internal discord could yield severe repercussions. While acknowledging the diverse political landscape of the region, he underscored the need for unity in driving regional development and fostering national cohesion. He warned that infighting and division among leaders could stall development projects and weaken the region's political and economic influence. "Mt Kenya region has always been a vital part of Kenya's socio-economic fabric," Mathara stated. "However, internal discord threatens to undermine our potential. We must put aside our differences and work together towards our shared goals," he said. Kericho Governor Erick Mutai said his administration was pursuing several projects to transform the lives of residents. In North Rift, however, the situation was different as residents turned up in large numbers to listen to their leaders. Unlike in the past where the national days could be convened at County headquarters, locals around yesterday's locations had the opportunity to have the event taken closer to them. In Uasin Gishu county, the event was held at Koiwarusen in Kesses sub-county, Nandi at Chemundu in Chesumei, Trans Nzoia at Kapretwa in Saboti, and at Kainuk in Turkana. Uasin Gishu governor Jonathan Bii said Eldoret town residents are eagerly awaiting its elevation into Kenya's fifth City in August. In a speech read on his behalf by his Deputy Eng John Barorot, the governor said the County had improved its infrastructure ahead of the planned conferment. "This historic milestone will elevate our status, providing residents with enhanced services and attracting investors," Bii said. Governor Stephen Sang and his deputy Yulita Cheruiyot graced the event in Nandi, that was attended by locals garlanded with traditional attires. [Report by Clinton Ambujo, Phares Mutembei, Amos Kiarie, Timothy Kariuki and Murithi Mwaniki, Mary Imenza, Jesse Sikali, George Sayagie and James Munyeki, Stephen Rutto, Edward Kosut, Mike Ekutan and Gilbert Sitati]

Calls to lower cost of living dominate as Kenyans shun fete in counties

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