Did repair of bad road widen cracks in MP and Governor's relationship?
(From Left) Kuresoi North Mp Alfred Mutai, Deputy Governor David Kones and Governor Susan Kihika at a previous pyrethrum revival event.
Poor state of roads in Kuresoi North has once again placed governor Susan Kihika and area MP Alfred Mutai at a new war path, as locals pile pressure for development.
The decision by MP Mutai to repair the impassable Kimkaza road that is under the county government has left more speculations on his relationship with the governor.
The action by the MP was in response to the public outcry, after media reports emerged showing residents transporting coffins using donkeys.
Residents of Kuresoi North use donkeys to ferry a body to the burial place because of poor road conditions.
While the residents applauded the MP for his response, they also criticized the county government for what they claimed was inaction and intentional marginalization of the region in Sasimua and Kamwaura.
One of the locals, John Kimani, wondered why it had to take the action of the MP to help on a project that is under the county government.
Mr Kimani said residents have for long endured losses after failing to ferry their produce to the market due to the impassable roads.
“We are concerned that this road has remained in bad shape for years yet we put in place a government that had promised to improve it. I wish to thank our MP for intervention even though the road falls under the county roads,” says Mr kimani.
Ms Nancy Chepkirui notes that the poor roads in the region had impoverished the community which was unable to earn from their investment, after being forced to sell their produce at throwaway prices directly from their farms.
“It is quite embarrassing to watch a farmer toil as well as invest the little they have in the farm and end up not getting their produce to the market. This is contributed by failure of our leaders who give out empty promises which they do not implement at all,” says Ms Chepkirui.
Mr Edward Chirchir laments about what he terms as discrimination in development by the administration which has disadvantaged some areas.
Mr Mutai and Ms Kihika have had a shaky relationship since their election into the respective offices.
While Mr Mutai had previously accused the governor of side-lining his region, the governor has on her part accused the MP of ganging up with others to frustrate her and turn the residents against her.
The two seemed to have buried their differences a few months ago, when the MP joined the governor for a pyrethrum revival function in Kuresoi North.