Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala and Amani National Congress (ANC) nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi on Saturday questioned Deputy President William Ruto's motive in convening a meeting with leaders from Western Kenya.
The two accused Ruto of laying the groundwork for his 2022 Presidential bid under the disguise of bringing development to the region.
“If this meeting was meant for development, it would have involved all leaders from the region. But in a case where a particular group of leaders is invited, then it depicts a hidden agenda,” stated Malala.
He further accused the DP of capitalising on the dwindling performance of industries in the region to woo residents to support them for political gain without solving the problems in the region.
[caption caption="Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala"]
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“Mumias Sugar Company has been used over time by leaders who intend to ascend to leadership positions.
“Why can’t the government come up with solutions to end problems facing the miller once and for all?” asked the Kakamega Senator.
Osotsi, on the other hand, confirmed that he was invited to the meeting but skipped it as he was attending Miguna Miguna's court proceedings.
“We cannot support the meeting that is focusing to spearhead the political destiny of an individual,” said Mr Osotsi.
“In the country’s Constitution, MPs make budgets based on development projects in their regions.
“We have just passed the budget recently determining what the government is going to do in terms of development. Why again should they hold a meeting with the Deputy President to beg for development?” he asked.
Ruto met 19 MPs from Kakamega, Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia counties at his Karen home on Thursday afternoon.
According to the legislators, the meeting was meant to discuss development projects in Western such as the upgrade of roads, education, administration, water, health, the revival of industries and expansion of airstrips.
[caption caption="Photo of the Meeting at Ruto's Residence"]
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