FOCUS ON DEVELOPMENT

Stop demos, let's revive economy - ex-VP Moody Awori

He says the time for politicking is over

In Summary

• The former Vice President had urged both the government and opposition side to work towards bettering the lives of citizens.

• However, Azimio leader Raila Odinga warned that they will go back to demos if president Ruto fails to take them seriously.

Former Vice President Moody Awori with Busia Governor Paul Otuoma in Busia after holding a meeting on April 12, 2023.
Former Vice President Moody Awori with Busia Governor Paul Otuoma in Busia after holding a meeting on April 12, 2023.
Image: PAUL OTUOMA/ TWITTER

Former Vice President Moody Awori has called for the end of Azimio demos, saying the focus should now shift to reviving the economy.

Awori who was speaking on Wednesday when he met Busia Governor Paul Otuoma said the elections are long gone and it's time to work.

"Maandamano should not be there. I am sorry, I may be embarrassing the governor, but I am quite clear that the elections are gone, let us now work towards fulfilling the requirements of the people,"  Awori said.

Azimio has since called off the demos in favour of bipartisan talks with the government but their leader Raila Odinga warned that they will go back to demos if President William Ruto fails to take them seriously.

The former VP said there are many plans that Otuoma shared with him about production, agriculture, infrastructure, education, health and other topics. 

"I want to wish him all the best and I am hoping that the national government will also work to support him because we have two governments," Awori said.

He added that Busia county needs to work with the national government since it does not have sources of revenue.

"The devolution is a game changer. It has helped this country a great deal. The county needs to collect its revenue but we know a county like Busia hasn't got many avenues for revenue," Awori said.

"So we depend entirely on the national government. That means the county government must work with the national government."

Former Vice President Moody Awori with Busia Governor Paul Otuoma and other officials from the Busia County Assembly in Busia on April 12, 2023.
Former Vice President Moody Awori with Busia Governor Paul Otuoma and other officials from the Busia County Assembly in Busia on April 12, 2023.
Image: PAUL OTUOMA/TWITTER
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