President Uhuru’s promises on roads, health for Kisii

President Uhuru Kenyatta is made an Abagusii elder during a rally at Menyenya Centre in Nyamira County yesterday. [PHOTO: PSCU/STANDARD

Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday toured Kisii and Nyamira counties with a bagful of goodies as Jubilee politicians accompanying him intensified their anti-national dialogue crusade.

Uhuru, who spoke to members of the public in Kenyenya and Nyansiongo in Kisii and Nyamira respectively, said he was not interested in petty politics but development.

The Head of State, who visited the region for the first time since he was sworn into office, had some goodies that included improving the health and roads sectors.

He noted that for a long time the country’s development had been adversely hurt by “useless politics that lack bearing”, adding that retrogressive politicking could not improve the lives of Kenyans.

“We know the job we were elected to do. There is no need for insults. We want to ensure development for the people of Kenya. Politics will have its own time,” maintained Uhuru.

The President said construction of the 27-kilometre Mogonga-Kenyenya-Riokindo-Mogenche road in Kisii County would begin next month. He also promised the construction of the Kijauri-Manga-Raitigo-Mecheo-Metamanywa road in Borabu Constituency within Nyamira.

“During the campaigns, we promised to construct these roads and we have come back to fulfill our pledges. We ask residents to stand firm with the Government as we seek to improve the livelihoods of every citizen,” said the President.

He added that an improved road network would ensure that farmers were able to transport produce to the market in good time.

UPGRADE

“It is up to the Government to provide affordable and better health services for its citizens. We will provide funds to improve infrastructure at the Kisii Referral Hospital. We are aware the hospital serves a large region, including neighbouring counties.

“I have no problem upgrading Kisii Level Five Hospital. I will direct the Cabinet Secretary of Health to ensure that funds to upgrade the hospital are set aside,” he said.

A memorandum of understanding between Kisii University and Kisii Level Five Hospital was signed on Friday last week for its elevation to a teaching and referral facility.

Governors James Ongwae (Kisii) and John Nyagarama (Nyamira), who hosted the President, made several requests.

Mr Ongwae said the facility needed at least Sh5 billion to become a fully-fledged level six hospital.

“We need Sh5 billion towards finalisation of the Kisii Referral Hospital and I urge the national government and investors to give us more support. We have also prioritised road construction,” said Ongwae.

Information Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, MPs Johnson Sakaja, Kabando wa Kabando, Naomi Shaaban, Richard Tongi, Richard Onyonka, Stephen Manoti, Jimmy Angwenyi, Elijah Moindi, and senators Janet Ong’era, Chris Obure, Hosea Ojwang’ and Mike Mbuvi were among those who accompanied Uhuru.

The Jubilee leaders opposed CORD’s calls for disbandment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

PAST POLLS

Kitutu Chache North MP Jimmy Angwenyi prodded CORD to resign from their positions if IEBC unfairly conducted the March 2013  polls.

“If IEBC went wrong in the past election, they must resign now because they are beneficiaries,” said Mr Angwenyi.

He urged the President to ignore the Opposition’s calls for national dialogue.

“Opposition is a necessary component for better governance and Jubilee leadership must not be aggrieved when criticised by CORD,” said Ong’era.

Taveta MP Naomi Shaaban asked CORD principal Raila Odinga to wait for the elections in 2017.

Mr Sakaja claimed CORD was planting seeds of discord in the country and Nairobi Senator Mike Mbuvi said the Opposition was free to criticise Government but would not be allowed to abuse the President or the State. 

The President later joined Kisii School in celebrating its 80th anniversary. Former Cabinet minister Sam Ongeri said the community was drifting towards Jubilee and more votes were expected in 2017.

But a section of CORD leaders did not attend any of the President’s rallies. MPs Charles Geni, Timothy Bosire, Alice Chae, Simon Ogari, Manson Nyamweya and Senator Mong’are Okong’o from Nyamira County snubbed the event.