Kisumu governor blames frequent ODM rallies for slow development in his county
Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma speaks during a peace meeting at the Kibigori border point in Kisumu County on October 16, 2016. He has blamed frequent ODM rallies for the slow pace of development in the county. FILE PHOTO | TONNY OMONDI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Leaders from the county have criticised Mr Ranguma, accusing him of doing little to improve the status of Kisumu.
- Ranguma says frequent attendances of ODM rallies have eaten into his time.
- He said he once missed an invitation to visit Estonia as he had to attend an ODM rally.
- Mr Ranguma is fighting to retain the seat on an ODM ticket.
Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma has blamed frequent Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rallies for the slow pace of development in the county.
The governor said Wednesday his "frequent attendances of ODM rallies across the country" had eaten into his time.
He said he has little time to run the county and engage investors because of ODM activities.
Leaders from the county, including Senator Anyang' Nyong’o, have criticised Mr Ranguma, accusing him of doing little to improve the status of Kisumu.
“I once had a chat with an ambassador and informed him of my plans for the development of Kisumu County and he invited me to Estonia twice to discuss the development agenda of the county.
“I could not go and miss ODM rallies, lest people say I am not with baba (Raila Odinga),” said Mr Ranguma.
He was speaking during the launch of an online business licensing platform at the Kisumu City Hall.
Senator Nyong’o, who has declared his interest in the Kisumu governor's seat in the 2017 elections, has accused Mr Ranguma of reneging on his campaign manifesto and abetting corruption in his government.
The county boss has also been accused of being disloyal to the party, claims he has dismissed as baseless and lacking evidence.
Mr Ranguma is fighting to retain the seat on an ODM ticket.
