Did Ruto Launch Fake Projects in Migori?

Awendo MP Walter Owino has said ODM MPs skipped Deputy President William Ruto’s tour as they were not invited in good time.

The lawmaker said they got official information on the tour on Sunday night, a time most of them had scheduled Monday activities.

“I had travelled from the constituency after my weekend activities. It was not easy to make a return trip within such a short notice,” Owino said.

The MP said legislators and a number of politicians that had campaigned for Senator Ochillo Ayacko in the October 8 by-election were excluded from the tour.

During the tour of Homa Bay and Migori counties, Ruto launched roadworks and rural electrification projects.

But Owino maintains that there was also no proper plan for the projects, citing lack of cash for their implementation.

ODM MPs and MCAs gave the DP’s tour a wide berth. Ruto was received to Homa Bay by former MP James Rege, Karachuonyo MP Adipo Okuome, and in Migori by Governor Okoth Obado.

“We did not want to attend an event we were not invited to,” the ODM MP said.

Owino further said since the roads in question are yet to be allocated cash, there are risks they would be subject of ridicule if the same do not kick off as expected by locals.

“Take the case of the Mbita hospital. I would have preferred that the DP goes there with a solution – say an ambulance, other than a promise to initiate renovation works,” the lawmaker said. “Ruto as a government representative, a senior one for the matter, should be abreast with the risks of giving people such promises,” he added.

The MP further dismissed claims that the DP has a chance of making inroads in Nyanza adding that those who back him cannot play in the same league as ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Ahead of the meeting, Suba South MP John Mbadi – also ODM chairman, said the DP’s ‘development tour’ could ignite tension and undermine the handshake.

Together with Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, the two said Ruto was only exploiting the tranquility created by the handshake pact to further his political agenda.

Ruto is eyeing the Nyanza vote in his quest to succeed Uhuru in 2022. The region largely supports Raila.

The MPs urged the DP to stop subjecting the country to a perpetual campaign mode.

“The handshake between Raila and Uhuru was meant to quell tension after the divisive general election. Those exploiting this calm to push their agenda are against the direction of peace,” Mbadi said.

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