Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has been criticised for travelling in a helicopter to distribute “little” relief food.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa on Tuesday accused Mr Wamalwa of politicking at the expense of the lives of residents. He questioned why an official would “hire a helicopter to distribute only 10 bags of rice”.
“Wamalwa is taking the luhya nation for a ride, how do you hire a helicopter to come and distribute ten bags of rice donated by government,” Mr Barasa claimed.
He termed the distribution exercise as theatrics and pointless because many of the residents who were affected by floods and effects of Covid-19 pandemic did not allegedly benefit from the food aid.
Over the weekend Mr Wamalwa distributed rice to Khasoko residents in Bumula and Webuye after meeting with Luhyia elders where him and Kakamega Governor Wyclife Oparanya were endorsed as luhya spokespersons.
Mr Barasa further accused Wamalwa of using government resources to do politics saying his forays in the region were nothing to do with development but 2022 succession politics.
Speaking to the Nation on phone, Mr Wamalwa refuted all the claims saying his trip to western was official. He said he is dispensing his duty as Devolution CS throughout the country without favour and will not want to engage with those interested in cheap propaganda.
“I will not want to engage in cheap politics. I have been dispensing my duties as Devolution cabinet secretary and would expect every leader to behave such,” he said.
Mr Barasa also accused Mr Wamalwa of flouting Covid-19 rules by holding gatherings.
“Wamalwa and the four governors are roaming the region in the name of sensitizing residents about development issues, this is serious because they are holding public meetings which endangers the lives of our people,” Mr Barasa said.
In response, Mr Wamalwa said that in all his meetings, he encouraged and ensured people were observing social distancing. He said those castigating him are doing so for political reasons.
“I don’t want to give non-starters authenticity by engaging them on non-issues. I will ignore and continue serving people in the entire country,” Mr Wamalwa said.
The CS added that in every constituency he distributed over 200 bags of rice and beans depending on the needs of the people.