On behalf of Governor Hassan Ali Joho, Mombasa Deputy Governor Dr William Kingi joined the people of Siaya in pooling resources towards the building of a church in Ng'uure Village in Alego, Usonga.
The fundraiser was also graced by Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga and the deputy governor Dr. James Okumbe.
"Siaya is located in central Nyanza and has produced great sons and daughters who have played very vital roles in the development of our country in various capacities."
Nyanza just like the coast region, Kingi said, has had to endure the pains of historical injustices and segregation as a result of their long standing ideologies against oppressive politics.
The DG said the coast region has suffered a great deal in the hands of previous regimes, a suffering characterised by long standing cases of land injustices "and in such times of adversity we have always relied on the unwavering support of the people of the luo Nyanza."
"Under the tutelage of the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, who is also a son of this great land, we have been able to manoeuvre against all odds to get redress for most issues pertinent to the Coastal people. And now with the famous handshake we hope to achieve much more," he said on October 21.
"Similarly the coast region and the lake region share a common life line in the waters, we share a great resource in the huge water bodies surrounding our regions. This therefore necessitates the need to strengthen our ties as we seek to get the best out of the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria respectively."
The people of Siaya in appreciating the support of Joho towards the project, also acknowledged the role that the governor has played towards the growth and development of the region as well, citing his critical role in the victory of Dr. Ochilo Ayacko in the recent Migori senatorial by elections.
"They assured us that the region will reward his efforts in the fullness of time."
During his trip in Siaya, Kingi also joined faithful at the St. Peters ACK church in Ramba in Asembo, for a Sunday mass that later culminated into a fundraiser.
They were joined by the Senator for Siaya county, James Orengo and the area M.P Otiende Amollo among other local leaders.
Asembo and more specifically Ramba has a significant place in the Kenyan history. It is in this village that the fierce cleric Bishop John Henry Okullu was born and it is in the said church that he started his advocacy for good governance.
The late Bishop Okullu, just like his counterparts back then, Archbishop Raphael Ndingi Mwana ‘a Nzeki and the late Bishop Alexander Kipsang Muge, braved the harshness of the KANU regime and fiercely advocated for justice and respect for human rights.
"I am glad to note that indeed Ramba is a land of the brave, we have seen the mettle of Hon. Otiende Amollo, his zeal and steadfastness compares to that of hero Okullu. Our very own Chief of Staff Job Tumbo hails from this very village."
Joho's deputy was also privileged to receive a traditional shield and spear issued in honour of the governor in acknowledgement of his contribution to the progress of the nation.