Turkana Governor Josephat Nanok has hit out at Deputy President William Ruto over his utterances during the launch of the Kitale-Lokichar road in the county on Wednesday.
In a press statement to newsrooms on Thursday, Nanok criticised Ruto for saying he doesn't know where the funds sent to Turkana go to, saying the move demonstrates how wreckless and uninterested the Deputy President is on the wellbeing of the people.
“When Turkana County made a presentation at State House on October 6, and on other occasions previously, about the gains of devolution and the Early Oil project, wasn't Ruto aware and informed? Doesn't the DP see what others are seeing in terms of development in Turkana?” read the statement in part.
The governor further faulted Ruto for not informing the county government about his visit, saying the DP should embrace the spirit of the constitution of mutual consultation and respect.
“We thought the launch of the road was devoid of politics, but the DP demonstrated either lack of knowledge about Turkana or a post-Kalolol arrogance where Jubilee was defeated at a ward by-election despite its local elected leaders causing violence, bribing the voters and relief food and the security apparatus looking the opposite way when all this was happening. He should know that Turkanas identify with those who are truthful and committed to their cause. Not those whose intent is to loot Turkana resources,” said Nanok.
He questioned whether Ruto doubted national governing organs tasked with overseeing the utilization of funds for counties, adding that the World Bank carried out an independent assessment that ranked Turkana as the second best investor friendly county in the country.
“Turkana County and its people respect the Presidency, we wish that the same respect is extended. Our people pay taxes no matter how small it is. We cannot compare Turkana with other parts of this country. The momentum is slowly gaining because we all know as a result of several years of political marginalization what Turkana looked like. Now that fairly a huge percentage of its landmass is endowed with natural resources, it is highly sought for,” added the governor.
Nanok said his government will not tolerate political statements meant to incite residents, adding that Ruto should learn to inculcate good morals to the people.
He asked the DP to follow the laid out procedures when seeking to account for public funds, and avoid making acclamations in public barazas.
“The people of Turkana cannot be fooled, they have eyes and they know what is happening. They know how to hold their leaders accountable without being incited by partisan politics of witch hunt,” he added.
He said the gains of devolution being celebrated by Turkana people cannot be swept under the carpet, and urged Ruto to acknowledge the same.