- Munyes deplored that Turkana county has received a billions for development but the money has done little to improve the economy and livelihoods.
- He faulted the county government led by Governor Josphat Nanok for not improving residents' lives.
Image: HESBORN ETYANG
Former Petroleum and Mining CS John Munyes has promised to fight Turkana's poverty and improve livelihoods if elected governor.
He resigned from the Cabinet on February 8 to campaign.
Munyes deplored that Turkana county has received many billions of shillings for development but the money has done little to improve the economy and reduce poverty.
“I’m seeking this top seat to elevate my people from the aftermath of poverty and hunger. I’m convinced Azimio La Umoja is the government that will address the issues of our people,” he said.
He spoke during his homecoming celebration at Lodwar.
The event was attended by Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa, who urged the Turkana people to elect Munyes.
Munyes faulted the government of Josphat Nanok for not improving residents' lives.
He said the county also receives a lot of funding from UNDP, Oxfam and NGOs but development projects cannot be felt on the ground.
Turkana is Kenya's second-largest county and receives the largest share pf revenue allocation after Nairobi County.
“We still have problem of water shortage, poor infrastructures, high poverty levels, high illiteracy level, unemployment and poor health services,” Munyes said.
He said he is working closely with President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga because he believes Azimio La Umoja will form the next government and he does't want to see Turkana in the opposition.
“We have a lot of resources in Turkana, including tourism, that can generate revenue,We also border three countries, including Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan but we have not benefited. We need good governance to realise the potential."
At least six aspirants are seeking tickets to suceed Nanok who is aiming for a national seat.
After serving two terms, Nanok said he will endorse a candidate with strong credentials to improve water supply, food security, strengthen peace building, private sector development and resource mobilisation.
Nanok said he want to stay active in politics and champion the interests of Turkana at the national level.
The six leaders who have declared their interest in the governor's seat. they are MCA Erastus Lokaale (assembly speaker), MPs Jeremiah Lomurkai (Loima), John Lodepe (Turkana Central) and James Lomenen (Turkana South).
Others are Munyes and Joseph Atol.
Turkana Senator Malcy Ekal shelved his ambition for the gurbernatorial seat and ditched UDA to join Azimio La Umoja. He is expected to defend his senatorial seat.
MP Lomenen also ditched UDA to join Azimio La Umoja.
Nanok, former chairman of the Council of Governors, has a well-oiled political machine to promote himself and his preferred successor.
Those seeking the UDA ticket are Lokaale and Lodepe and those seeking the Azimio La Umoja are Munye, Lomenen and Lomurkai.
Joseph Atol is yet to name is party.
Nanok and Lodepe are allies and the governor is considered likely to endorse the lawmaker.
(Edited by V. Graham)