Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has told off his predecessor Wycliffe Oparanya for asking governors allied to Azimio to shun President William Ruto’s Administration.
Barasa has insisted that county chiefs must work with the national government for the sake of development.
The governor regretted that Oparanya was telling Azimio governors to shun working with the national government yet he worked closely with the retired head of state Uhuru Kenyatta.
This follows recent remarks by Oparanya telling Governors that they can attain development without visiting Statehouse yet they have enough resources to realize development.
"Under the inter-governmental relationship policy, governors must work with the national government to promote development and good relationships. As for me, I will work with the government of President Ruto towards achieving key infrastructure development projects in Kakamega County,” Barasa said
Speaking during the launch of the distribution of subsidised farm inputs in Kakamega, he said Oparanya was able to develop the county because he worked closely with Uhuru Kenyatta.
Further, he told Oparanya to allow other elected leaders to work with the national government to get enough resources to scale up development in their counties.
He pointed out that the Kakamega County Level Six flagship project initiated by Oparanya will only be completed and make meaning if he collaborates with the national government.
“The shareable revenue from the National Treasury was not enough for robust development in the counties and the county chiefs have a responsibility to lobby from other sources,” he said.
Oparanya has said governors who have skipped Raila'a rallies across the country are saboteurs.
"I was a lawmaker for 10 years, I also became a governor for another 10 years and I delivered without going to State House. Governors have a county budget. Why should they be running to State House for development?" Oparanya said.
At least five governors among them Vihiga’s Wilbur Ottichilo, George Natembeya (Trans Nzoia), Paul Otuoma (Busia), Amos Nyaribo (Nyamira) and Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos) have skipped the anti-government rallies organised by Raila in eight counties since January.
