Ruth Odinga refutes claims of divisions with Governor Jack Ranguma

Kisumu county governor Jack Ranguma (left) and his deputy Ruth Odinga. [PHOTO:FILE/STANDARD]

KISUMU COUNTY: Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga has refuted claims of having political differences with the Governor, Jack Ranguma, over the relocation of over 1,000 traders at Oile market.

Speaking to The Standard Tuesday, Ms Odinga said that there were no divisions between her and Ranguma, saying they enjoy a very cordial working relationship.

"I have never had differences with my governor. I only raised concerns over the timing of the relocation of traders operating at Oile market. This should not be misconstrued to mean that differences exist," said Odinga.

The Deputy Governor added: "Everyone in the county supports the relocation of Oile market traders including myself, so as to pave way for the restoration of the recreation park. When it happened last weekend, I only raised concerns over the manner in which it was executed."

She said the traders were removed from the park in an inhumane manner whereby their commodities were destroyed yet they depend upon the business for their livelihood, while others are servicing loans. "That position does not mean I am opposed to relocation of traders from Oile.

Odinga said after deliberations with other county officials, she established there was no other alternative than to relocate the traders owing to the magnitude of resistance experienced previously.

The process of restoring the park is ongoing after a perimeter wall was erected around the park. The ground has since been levelled.

City manager Doris Ombara said after landscaping, grass would be planted at the park and more ornamental tree species planted at the park, which is a gateway to Kisumu's central business district (CBD).

"We would also erect flood-lights posts at the park. The traders had encroached on our park and transformed it into a market," she added.