In fact, such behaviour can be counter-productive and hinder the progress of the county. Recently, Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi has been abusing the President for months on end.
In fact, the first-term ODM-elected member was a director for Youth Affairs at the Office of the Deputy president under William Ruto. President Ruto build the political life and exposure of Kibagendi. He walked and championed his ideals while he was at the Harambee Annex office.
The President’s staff and confidante has now turned to abusing him instead of offering positive criticism. The Omogusii community for the past one and half years has its share of the good of the current regime. The community has its share of benefits as it has the current Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, Solicitor General Shadrack Mose, a number of CEOs of state corporations, director and chairmen appointed by the President.
Since independence, Gusii leaders elected their leaders in diverse political parties and voted different ways for the President. It was only in 2002 when then powerful Cabinet minister Simeon Nyachae who was then contesting for the presidency swept all civic and parliamentary seats in his then Ford People party. In the consequent elections in 2007, 2013, 2017 and last years’ polls, Omogusii always votes for the two top presidential candidates.
Gusii has had prominent and renowned politicians through decades who were both pro and anti-government. Leaders like James Nyamweya, George Moseti Anyona, Henry Obwocha, Dr Zachary Onyonka, Andrew John Omanga and Lawrence George Sagini were both in the opposition and in government.
There criticised the government and others supported it wilfully and objectively. We live in a democratic society that all politicians, depending on their political divide, can choose who to align with or support. Kibagendi is, therefore, at liberty to criticise the government as he may want but not being abusive and personal.
The Gusii people are in dire need of development and the constant chiding of the President will undermine his trust and confidence. Ruto has assured all regions that voted for him and those that did not that he will execute his constitutional mandate of serving them irrespective of their political inclination.
In fact, the Luo Nyanza counties of Homabay, Migori, Kisumu and Siaya who predominantly voted for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga are benefiting from development.
When leaders are abused, it erodes the trust and confidence that people have in them. In the case of Kisii county, if the President is constantly subjected to abuse and criticism, it can lead to a breakdown in relations between the government and the people, making it more difficult to achieve development goals.
This constant abuses on the President also has created a toxic environment that is not conducive to development. It has led to a culture of negativity and hostility, which has discouraged investment and hindered collaboration among stakeholders.
The constant negative criticism of the President has also led to distraction from the real issues that need to be addressed. In Kisii county, there are pressing issues such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare and poverty alleviation that require the attention of the government and the people. However, if the focus is constantly on abusing the President, it has diverted resources and attention away from these critical issues.
It’s imperative upon us to focus and help develop our region if we will be accountable to the people who have bestowed their support and trust on us. We must be wise enough to lobby for the development that is key to the growth of our people without insulting leaders.
Football Kenya Federation, president emeritus and Kisii elder
