On Wednesday, Auma Obama, former US President Barack Obama's sister, engaged in a heated exchange of words with Alego Usonga MP, Samuel Atandi, after the ODM legislator attacked her over what he termed mediocre projects she unveiled for local youth.
The MP alleged that Auma’s Sauti Kuu Foundation, launched by Obama in 2018, was yet to be completed and thus was of no help to local residents.
The discussion commenced after a football fan tweeted on projects that Senegal and Liverpool footballer, Sadio Mane, had done in his home town. The tweet stated that Mane had built a hospital in his area, alongside paying money to families in the village.
“This is the kind of stuff your people back in Nyangoma would love. Not those abstract programmes that have no real impact on the poor,” The MP tweeted and tagged Auma.
Auma swiftly responded, accusing the legislator of criticising her projects rather than leading the way in initiating some, which according to her, were yet to be started.
“With all due respect Honorable Atandi, let it go already! I understand that you do not agree with what we are doing.
“It is your right. But, as my MP, instead of just criticising, why don’t you do it better than me. Show me your track record. I will gladly follow your lead.
Sauti Kuu Foundation is a sports and education facility located in K'Ogelo, Siaya County.
Netizens jumped to Auma’s defence, blasting the MP for such uncalled criticism.
“As an area MP, what are you doing with your allocated CDF funds for your constituents? I find it unfair calling out private citizens on their efforts when you, the elected official, doesn't actually lead by example,” Rose Odengo stated.
“Auma is doing her best to uplift the people of Nyangoma from begging culture and we appreciate her work. Atandi, where is your track record?” Edwin Obadha inquired.
Atandi is not new to controversies as in January 2019, he was on the police radar after he allegedly assaulted a female government employee.
According to a police report, the MP stormed her office demanding for personal contacts of Siaya Director of Education in charge of the Teachers Service Commission.
Modester Anyuor, a human resource officer, however, failed to provide them citing procedural conditions which prompted Atandi to reportedly attack her.
