Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has faulted the county’s senator Boni Khalwale for not advocating for development projects in the county, terming it as a failure to deliver as per his mandate.
Speaking during the burial ceremony of the late Mzee Joseph Khagali in Lubao, in Shinyalu Sub-County on Saturday, Governor Barasa cited Khalwale's absence during a recent visit by President William Ruto to justify his argument.
Barasa highlighted what he described as Khalwale’s reluctance towards development initiatives, such as failing to utilise his position at the Senate to advocate for more resources for devolved units.
President William Ruto has in the past three months visited over twenty counties, among them Kakamega during his tour to the Western region.
“During a recent visit by President H.E William Ruto, where we gathered to discuss crucial development projects in the County, including the completion of the Kakamega Level-6 hospital, Kakamega Airport, and Bukhungu International Stadium, the Senator was conspicuously absent,” Barasa stated.
The governor, however, promised to work together with the Senator to promote development in the county.
“Despite our differences, I am willing to collaborate with the Senator to bring about positive change in the livelihoods of Kakamega residents,” he promised.
Barasa also commended the current leadership of the Ikolomani Constituency under Bernard Shinali for the visible development, including rectifying missteps made by past leaders.
“During Senator Khalwale's ten-year tenure as a Member of Parliament, despite receiving CDF funds, Ikolomani ranked last in transformative leadership across Kenya,” Barasa noted.
Political wrangles in Kakamega have persisted in the past several months, as various leaders clashed in public functions at the expense of governance and development.
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has mocked the county governor on several occasions, with reports of the MP allegedly organising goons to interrupt Barasa’s public rallies.
In November 2023, the MP was roughed up at a church function at Bukaya, after Salasya condemned Governor Barasa for allegedly not doing enough to fast-track the revival of Mumias Sugar Company.
