Ranguma, Nyong’o clash over Kachok dumpsite

Governor Jack Ranguma and senator Anyang’ Nyong’o have clashed over relocation of the Kachok dumpsite, which has become an eyesore in Kisumu.

Prof Nyong’o, who is seeking to challenge Ranguma in next year’s polls, accused the county boss of failure to relocate the dumpsite, saying it was a major cause of pollution in Lake Victoria.

“We cannot remit effluence into the lake and expect it to survive. I was part of a study that examined the lake in the 90’s and what became evident is that it was dying from the bottom because of increased effluence and the blocked Mbita causeway. The lake bordering counties must ensure that the death of fish is reversed,” he said.

However, Mr Ranguma said plans to relocate the dumpsite had been frustrated by lack of alternative land. According to Mr Ranguma, the relocation was part of the county government’s strategic plan.

“We are committed to bringing to an end the garbage crisis. The relocation of the Kachok dumpsite is a donor funded project which is currently being worked on for a lasting solution,” he said.

Prof Nyong’o also accused Mr Ranguma of failure to come up with a lasting solution for the Kisumu-Nandi border conflict and tussle over Maseno within Vihiga county.

TWO PEOPLE HAVE DIED

At least two people have died following fresh clashes that broke along the Kisumu-Nandi border last month.

“The constitution advocates for equitable distribution of resources to all parts of the county. The solution to the wrangles witnessed in Maseno is making resources available,” said the senator.

But the county boss dismissed accusations that he was unable to end the perennial border clashes, saying he was working on a plan alongside governors from neighbouring counties to stop the conflicts.

Prof Nyong’o, businessmen Hezron Mac’Obewa and Asaka Nyangara and Prof Gordon Okumu, who have declared interest in the governor’s seat, have made Lake Victoria pollution and the Kachok dumpsite their major campaign issues.

According to Prof Nyong’o, the deteriorating state of Lake Victoria was because governors of counties bordering it had failed to develop laws to protect it.

Prof Okumu, a former university lecturer, has promised to relocate the garbage if elected governor, saying its current location has denied the town key investments.

The bid to relocate the dumpsite has been a push and pull game with the county blaming leaders and residents of opposing plans to move it to land outside town.