Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba on Friday publicly differed with Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who allegedly wanted non-local contractors locked out of road projects in the Rift Vally region.
While speaking during the funeral of the son of Chesumei MP Paul Biego Polo, Cherargei advocated for the allocation of a road project to a local contractor, emphasising that the move would benefit the residents.
He added that the youth would also receive training in road construction, boosting them in their endeavours to seek jobs.
"Thank you, CS, for coming. You know few people tell you the truth. Work in Nandi is not good. Thank you, Waziri, for the road that is being undertaken, Mosorit," Cherargei stated.
"I hear that some people are saying that they want to bring people from other communities to be contractors. Give our children the priority of being contractors because if we don't teach our children to be strong contractors, we won't be competitive." he opined. (This quote was translated from a vernacular dialect).
However, the push by Cherargei did not sit well with the CS, who argued that such a request would be detrimental to the locals themselves as it was regressive.
According to the CS, any Kenyan has the right to work in any part of the country, provided they effectively fulfil their assigned responsibilities.
While taking a swipe at the lawmaker, the CS argued that such retrogressive ideas would not have secured President William Ruto's victory in the August 2022 elections.
"What about our people whom we have given big contracts owing billions and are in Central and Mombasa? Do you want them to be chased to come home? As your teacher, I have brains and a plan," the CS responded.
"Any contractor who comes to Mosoriot from any community, be it a Kisii or any other, let's welcome them all to build us roads. My work as the CS is to ensure that all roads are constructed properly," Murkomen responded.
He also claimed that the Senator distanced himself from President William Ruto after the former was re-elected to the Senate in 2022. Murkomen, however, did not divulge more information on the alleged fallout between Ruto and Cherargei.
"Cherargei has only one problem, and if William Ruto had reasoned like him, then he wouldn't be President.
"When you came to the Senate, I told you that we should get close to Ruto, but you decided to stay afar," the CS and former Elgeyo Marakwet Senator lamented.
Other attendees at the burial were Chief of Staff and the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, MPs Oscar Sudi (Kapsaret) and Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu).
