Gusii Nairobi Forum leaders slam Ruto over agenda for the region

 

A section of Kisii community leaders has accused President William Ruto of visiting their region merely to praise himself for defeating opposition leader Mr Raila Odinga in the 2022 general elections.

According to the leaders, since President Ruto assumed office in September 2022, he has not initiated a single development project in Abagusii land.

Under the Omogusii Nairobi County Forum, the leaders allege the Head of State appears keen to only undermine the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader in the region.

“What has he done for our region? Absolutely nothing. He only visits Gusii land to undermine our leader, Rt Hon Raila Odinga over how he defeated him in 2022,” said the forum’s Chair, Mr Joseph Nyandika while addressing the media on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, in Nairobi.

The Omogusii Forum is a group that brings together all Kisii community residents in Nairobi County.

The forum’s primary objective is to promote and fulfill the interests of Abagusii in Nairobi.

While commending the performance of the county governments within the community’s region, the group insisted that Dr Ruto’s government cannot account for any development project it has undertaken to benefit the locals.

The region comprises Kisii and Nyamira Counties.

“The former Prime Minister (Referring to Mr Raila Odinga) has always stood firm for us. We have had representatives in the governments (past governments) he is associated with. Abagusii land and its community are marginalised by the current government,” claimed the forum’s vice-chair, Mr Benson Omae.

The group, however, lauded the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Alliance chief principal over what they said: “he is devoted to ensuring marginalised communities have a stake in his party”.

The leaders, addressing the media at Bomblast Building in Nairobi, cited the election of 5 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) in Nairobi under the ODM party, one nominated to join the city’s assembly (Ms Naomi Bosire), and the previous Dagoretti North MP, Mr Simba Arati (now the Kisii County Governor), as some of the commitments by Mr Odinga which make the Abagusii Region an opposition stronghold.

“We, as the Omogusii Forum in Nairobi, have a reason to stand, and if possible, we request to retain the previous position of ODM Party, Nairobi Secretary General,” Mr Nyandika insisted. 

BY NAIROBI NEWS