Mount Elgon Will Now Have New Wards and Sub Counties, Assures Bungoma DG
By Isabella Maua
Political leaders from Mt. Elgon have assured residents that they will have new subcounties and wards to ensure equity in the region’s development.
Speaking during a funeral service at Kaptama on Saturday, Bungoma Deputy Governor Janepher Mbatiany emphasized that the long cry of the people has since been heard by the president.
“President Ruto has your interest at heart and has accepted that Mt. Elgon will be divided into two subcounties; Kaptama being one of them,” she noted.
She also advised the area residents to have one common language and speak in unison once IEBC will be collecting opinions during public participation forums yet to come.
“It is in due time that you’ll come across IEBC officers who’ll need to collect information from you as per your concerns on more wards and subcounties; unity of purpose will be your ultimate success then,” Mbatiany reiterated.
On the other hand, a section of politicians have had contrary opinions regarding UDA and Ford Kenya leadership in Mt. Elgon, pointing out neglect from the politicians who only pursue them during campaigns with empty promises.
John Shikuku, an educationist-cum politician, decried abandonment by Ford Kenya’s Moses Wetang’ula, who has never returned favor to his die-hard politicians from the region.
“Despite this region strongly supporting the government of the day by voting massively for Ford Kenya and UDA, even President Ruto has never prioritized us in developmental matters as he does for other regions,” decried Shikuku.
In another twist, Joan Kirong, Kapkateny MCA and deputy leader of majority in the county assembly, also criticized UDA party, citing that despite being the leading party, it has never brought anything tangible to Mt. Elgon.
According to Kirong, “Everyone knows that Ruto recognizes us as Kapkugo, but unfortunately it remains at that; there’s no need to blame Wetang’ula, whereas we have the president who’d have given us the much-needed support he knows we need.”
Even as party politics take center stage, Mt. Elgon’s sub-division remains the most desired developmental aspect wananchi are looking forward to since it is still a very large constituency with great challenges due to its vast nature.
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