Politics stalling development, leaders say

Updated Sunday, August 18th 2013 at 21:49 GMT +3

By LAWRENCE ALURU

Leaders from Siaya and Homa Bay Counties have warned that Nyanza could reap little from devolution unless elected leaders toned down their political activities.

Led by the Chairman of the Luo Council of Elders Mzee Willis Otondi and Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti, representatives from the two counties said they were worried the development agenda was taking a backseat as leaders continue to play politics.

Mr Awiti told leaders in the lake region to get down to business, saying residents who braved the hot sun to vote for them were waiting for campaign promises to be fulfilled.

“We will be a laughing stock if we don’t change tact. We be will asked what we have done to change the region,” said Awiti.

Derail development

He continued: “Our leader Raila Odinga fought hard to bring the new Constitution that has now created the County Governments. It will be sad if we allow politics to derail our county development agenda.”

In an apparent attack on a group of Nyanza MPs and Senators who have been holding a series of highly charged political meetings in the region, the leaders said political rallies should be put on hold until 2017.

Awiti said the recent trip to the USA by governors allied to CORD was an eye opener and said the leaders should now be given ample time to implement what they learnt during the trip.

“We must thank the former Prime Minister for organising the trip. We met many potential investors and I want to remind our people that investors fear regions with political upheavals,” said Awiti.

Mr Otondi said although CORD leaders were ‘robbed of victory’ in the March 4 polls, they should restrain themselves from engaging in activities that may destablise the country.