This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
Western and Coast politicians are at odds over government projects initiated in Nyanza, with some MPs accusing ODM leader Raila Odinga of using his handshake deal with President Uhuru Kenyatta to sideline the two regions.
According to sources, the projects include the planned revival of Kisumu port, which will be commissioned by President Kenyatta this week, as well as the oil jetty and the standard gauge railway.
Other projects on the cards include the revival of Kicomi factory and the launch of a socio-economic zone in Kisumu.
However, MPs allied to DP William Ruto have demanded that Mr Odinga uses his camaraderie with the President to revive Mumias Sugar Company.
They have also called for the expansion and upgrade of Kakamega Airstrip and the tarmacking of roads.
But ODM secretary-general Edwin Sifuna and national chairman John Mbadi have come to Mr Odinga's defence, saying the entire country is gaining from the handshake.
They have challenged critics to seek Mr Ruto's help in delivering projects to the region, saying Mr Odinga is not in government but his handshake deal was all about building bridges to unite the different communities.
As the debate rages on, Coast leaders have also weighed in, with some criticizing the handshake for dividing the region.
Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa said she was among those who supported the handshake, but discovered it was not for unity.
She added that the handshake had only caused more political tension at the Coast and divided the political leadership.
But Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi has downplayed the claims, saying there are no 'handshake projects' and what was going on was government work.
He said the rehabilitation of Kisumu port and the ongoing construction of the highway from Kisumu were being funded by public funds and a grant from World Bank.
Mr Mudavadi also watered down the claims that western Kenya had been sidelined, saying the projects being referred to were initiated way before President Kenyatta and Mr Odinga started working together.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns of the MPs and the people of Western and Coast regions.
