‘Sycophant’ ward leaders rile James Orengo and two MPs

Lawmakers from Siaya, Homa Bay and Kisumu have blamed MCAs for not spearheading development in their counties.

Siaya Senator James Orengo said MCAs only sang the praises of Governor Cornel Rasanga instead of engaging in issues that would improve residents’ lives. He told Mr Rasanga to stop entertaining praise singers.

“I am not impressed with the new kind of politics where MCAs shower governors with praises. Ward reps have failed in their role and this is a threat to devolution,” he said.

Ugenya MP David Ochieng blamed MCAs for impeding consultations between the governor and other leaders.

His Ugunja counterpart Opiyo Wandayi said sycophancy in the county government was alarming.

However, Governor Rasanga differed with Mr Orengo and the MPs, maintaining that he would work with MCAs.

“I have been in government long enough to be misled by praises. Let us do our jobs as outlined in the law,” Mr Rasanga said on Saturday at the funeral of Mr Benson Omondi, an MCA.

RESIDENTS DEMONSTRATE

In Homa Bay, residents held a demo to the assembly on Thursday demanding that MCAs account for what they had done since they assumed office in 2013.

Leaders locked themselves in offices as the youths hurled insults at them. They accused MCAs of concentrating on employing their friends and relatives instead of playing their oversight role.

Minority Leader Isaac Ouso Nyandega said the assembly was doing its work properly and would not be intimidated by crowds.

Kisumu politician Eric Okeyo expressed no surprise at the situation in the lake region.

He said corruption had taken root in most assemblies.

“Where are they when counties are performing poorly? Leadership must be improved in the assemblies lest devolution fails in western Kenya,” he said.

But County Assemblies Forum Secretary-General Albert Kochai said lack of county attorneys was to blame for the poor quality of work reported in assemblies.