BUSIA government will not attend today’s planned homecoming ceremony for Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is among Cord leaders who are expected at the fete in Port Victoria, a week after Nambale MP John Bunyasi’s homecoming party.
Governor Sospeter Ojaamong’ yesterday said his government cannot be a party to a function whose organiser has no respect for the governor and his team.
Ojaamong’ issued the boycott threat following Ababu’s scathing attacks on Ojaamong’s administration, which “gives themselves fancy titles but do not serve residents.”
Ababu said Busia representatives should give an audit of what they have done since being elected, adding that people of Busia want good service.
In a quick rejoinder, Ojaamong said the entire team including Public Service Board, executive members and county assembly members will not attend the function.
Speaking on the phone from Kisumu where he is attending the Busia NGOs workshop, Ojaamong’ said it is time Ababu became action-oriented instead of seeking “cheap publicity”.
He said the assembly has been busy working to serve the residents while executive committee members have “almost completed planning for the county”. “We are laying a strong foundation for the county but a ‘lone ranger’ is trying to stand on our way to achieve our set goals,” Ojaamong’ said.
“Instead of throwing salvos at my administration, Ababu should work with other MPs. Problems are not solved in public. Our offices are wide open.”
Ojaamong and Ababu, in Cord Coalition, have recently been engaged in a war of words, which has prompted residents to ask party leader Raila Odinga to intervene. During the petition filed to challenge Ababu’s election, Ojaamong’ testified to defend the MP against claims of voter bribery.
Ababu is not happy with accumulated water bills in his constituency that led to the disconnection of power supply by the Kenya Power and Lightning Company.
He blamed the county government for its failure to clear the bill which runs into millions of shillings. Ababu could not be reached for comment as his phone went unanswered.