President chides Coast ODM governors as he ends tour

By PSCU

President Uhuru Kenyatta rapped the governors of Mombasa and Kilifi for having little to show for billions of shillings they have received in devolved funds as he wrapped up his visit of the Coast region.

“Governor Joho and Governor Kingi are all about talk and no action. They have offered nothing new. They have nothing to show for all the money they have been given to invest on your behalf. Only talk,” President Kenyatta spoke as he ended his tour that saw the launch of projects worth over Kshs 17 billion.

“By investing in the Coast, we are showing that we care about the welfare of the people here. We take action to improve their lives –that is the difference between us in national Government and these governors,” the Head of State said.

The President, who started his visit in the region by launching the Kshs 10.8 billion Witu-Lamu road in Lamu County, the Kshs 1.5 billion Sabaki-Marafa road, and the Kshs 2.3 billion Kakuyuni-Gongoni and Kakuyuni-Kilifi pipeline on Thursday, concluded by launching the tarmacking of the Kshs 2.05 billion Samburu-Kinango road in Kwale County.

During the visit to the Coast region, the President – who was accompanied by Deputy President William Ruto – also launched the tarmacking of the 56 kilometre Bura-Mghange-Werugha-Mbale-Msau-Mtwamwagodi road on Saturday.

Earlier, President Kenyatta visited the town of Bamba – immortalised by the song “Safari ya Bamba ni machero” – where he launched the tarmacking of the 44 kilometre of Bamba-Mariakani road at a cost of Kshs 2.1 billion.

Speaking during the launch of the Samburu-Kinango road, President Kenyatta affirmed his Administration’s commitment to uplift the lives of Kenyans through implementation of projects in all parts of the country.

He commended Kwale leaders who have resolved to work with the national Government to take development and services closer to the people.

“True leaders are those who work for the welfare of the people not those who engage in endless political rhetoric at the expense of service delivery and development,” President Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta also reiterate his warning to principals and heads of public schools in drought stricken areas not to send students home over lack of school fees. He asked local leaders to be vigilant and report to the authorities any school heads who violate his directive on school fees.

Other speakers at the launch of the Samburu-Kinango road at Samburu were Deputy President Ruto, Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya and Kinango Member of Parliament Gonzi Rai.

Governor Mvurya and Mr Rai assured the President and his deputy that the people of Kwale will never be cheated to follow the Opposition again, saying they have witnessed and taste the fruits of development under Jubilee.

The Governor told the people of Kwale: “This is our chance to be in Jubilee and work with the Government that cares for our welfare.”

“There is no need to join Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi or any other Opposition leader who have failed to implement development even in their areas despite holding very senior position in Government in the past,” Governor Mvurya said.

He said Kwale residents will not agree to be remote-controlled from Mombasa by Governor Joho.