Former Kisii Governor James Ongwae has warned of schemes by some politicians to stage rallies in an attempt to delay President William Ruto’s visit to the region.
Ongwae urged the Azimio camp to reconsider their plans for nationwide protests and accept Ruto as president so that he can fulfil his promise to Kenyans.
In a statement, Ongwae acknowledged that President Ruto was advancing his development agenda and had already begun doing so in other counties.
The former county chief vowed to mobilise other leaders from the region to support him because he believed that the Head of State harboured good plans for the people of the region.
“I urge and plead with our leaders/people not to accept any shenanigans that are meant to paint our community as rebellious and to disadvantage our Gusii region from receiving the much planned developmental projects by the President Ruto,” Ongwae said.
Ongwae expressed his support for President Ruto’s visit to the Gusii region, saying that the community is ready to welcome him.
Ongwae, who served as governor of Kisii for ten years, thanked Ruto for appointing members of the Omogusii community to various government positions.
“I join other leaders in welcoming the president to our Gusii region (Kisii and Nyamira) when he deems it necessary to visit, to commence and launch of developmental projects in our region. Like any other leader, who just left office recently, I am keen to hear and gladly support any commitment that will see completion of various projects that need the attention of the president,” Ongwae said.
The former governor also congratulated Education CS Ezekiel Machogu for his appointment and for the good work he has done thus far, saying “He is up to the task and has made the Omogusii community proud by serving all Kenyans with dignity.”
Ongwae expressed his disappointment in those who attempt to cause unease and whip up emotions with the aim of derailing the president’s visit. He urged leaders and the people to ignore these individuals and to instead focus on the developmental projects that will benefit the more than 1.2 million people living within the region.
“In the same spirit, we welcome the president to our Gusii region and condemn any attempt to cause uneasiness and whipping emotions of our people with the aim of imagining that they can derail the visit. Omogusii is ready and fully warmed for William Samoei Ruto and no doubt any contrary attempt will not be tolerated,” Ongwae stated.
