MPs have been challenged to think locally to solve the problems of their people instead of over-relying on the NG-CDF.
This is according to bishop emeritus of the Anglican Diocese of Maseno West Joseph Otieno Wasonga.
Wasonga spoke on Sunday at Nyawara Girls Secondary school grounds during the launch of TiJi Foundation.
“We know that the MPs are pushing for the National Government Constituency Development Fund to be reinstated but work should not stop because the NG-CDF is not there,” Wasonga said.
According to Wasonga, solutions to the problems of society are possible if more people joined hands to organise their communities.
He pointed out that the work of a leader, then, is simply to coordinate and mobilise resources; possibly from amongst the many individuals at home and in the diaspora, who are willing to support development initiatives.
“That is why we call on political leaders to join with other community leaders to push forward development," he said.
Wasonga believes that even though the Azimio coalition didn't win, Nyanza can still develop, thanks to the devolved system of governance.
He uttered these words against the backdrop of alleged sabotage of community organisers by elected leaders who think it amounts to political competition.
“There are times when political leaders feel threatened when others come up with initiatives such as TiJi Foundation,” Wasonga said.
"But we need everybody to participate in the development of the community.”
TiJi founder Tim Odende urged biblical Herodes not to crucify him for helping the less privileged children of the Gem constituency.
Odende said so far, the foundation has raised up to Sh10 million from donations from residents both locally and in the diaspora, who are ever willing to support the initiative.
The money, he explained, will be availed to students who can't raise school fees.
The foundation plans to train youthful tailors who can later sew up uniforms for students in the region.
TiJi Foundation has ratified a work partnership with St Philip’s Resource Centre (Bishop Wasonga Foundation), whose official launch is slated for October 9, 2022.
The retired bishop observed that the resource centre will house the interest of elderly, especially those who don't drink alcohol.
We want older people to have a place to sit and talk, especially retired people, who have nowhere to socialise," he said.
The project will have paralegals to help people in the village deal with a number of issues that matter to them, Wasonga explained.
The centre will also train young people on piano, guitar, stand-up comedy and deejaying.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
