By Aggrey Barasa, Kakamega
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has told off his critics for faulting his close working relationship with President William Ruto.
Governor Barasa who spoke during a public consultation forum in Lurambi constituency, he said that he will continue working with Ruto in order for him to actualize his development manifesto.
“We are going to work with the national government in order for us to achieve development in this span of five years,” said Barasa
Barasa was responding to area Women Rep Elsie Muhanda who claimed that the governor was a non- performer ‘for failing’ to initiate ‘meaningful development’ projects ion the county and instead chosen to ‘work’ with Kenya Kwanza administration.
Barasa who seemed unperturbed with Ms Muhanda’s tantrums, reminded her and her fellow ‘fault-finders’ that his collaboration with Ruto is beyond mere party politics.
He attributed his decision to work with the President to a consensus reached at by all governors from the Western region.
“As governors from the western region, we have unanimously agreed that we are going to collaborate with the national government on matters development,” said Barasa
Governor Barasa’s sentiments comes at a time when the opposition is keen on punishing some of its members for working with the government of the day.
Barasa added that some of the projects which were started by his predecessor, Wycliffe Oparanya are mega projects which requires huge sums of money.
He said that the county government is not able to manage the cost independently without support from national government.
“The level six hospital is a very big project, that we as a county government have no capacity to complete it,” Governor Barasa told his critics, adding that ‘we are making a follow up’ with the President so that he may help us complete Bukhungu stadium. We need around Sh2.3 billion to complete it,”
The opposition and especially the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party on which Mr Barasa was elected has in the recent times suspended seven of its members for the same reason.
The seven include Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda, Gem’s Elisha Odhiambo, Langata’s Phelix Odiwuor alias Jalango, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, Kisumu senator Tom Ojienda as well as Rongo law maker Paula Abuor.
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