Former Kakamega Senator Dr Boni Khalwale is now accusing President Uhuru Kenyatta's government of being partisan, a day after police thwarted a rally he was to attend in Mumias.
In a press conference in Kakamega on Sunday, Khalwale questioned the government for ignoring Western Kenya, but dishing out goodies to Mt Kenya and Nyanza region.
He pointed out that government has not been keen on giving the region consideration, with regards to its collapsing sugar sector, but is more interested in other regions.
He cited the revival of the Kisumu Port which cost the government Sh3 billion, and is now wondering why similar consideration is not being given to Western Kenya.
“Before proceeding to Nyanza to talk BBI, Kisumu Port was reconstructed at Sh3 billion," said the former Ford Kenya Deputy Party Leader, who has since joined the Jubilee Party.
He made the remarks as he demanded an apology from the government for disrupting the Mumias rally, yet allowed the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) forum to proceed in Bukhungu Stadium, within the same county.
He insisted that the meeting was aimed at discussing issues affecting Western Kenya farmers, faulting the government for deploying the police to block it.
"Treasury released Sh10 billion for the ailing dairy, coffee and tea sub-sectors to cushion farmers in Mt. Kenya region but sends us teargas when we want to discuss our ailing sugar industries," he added.
Khalwale is among leaders who were chased away by police as the tried to hold the planned rally at Nabongo Grounds in Mumias.