This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
On August 11, 2019, Tanga Tanga MPs from Western and Coast regions expressed their discontent with AU Envoy Raila Odinga for allegedly favoring Nyanza in the distribution of national projects by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
According to the MPs, Raila is using his position in the handshake to develop Nyanza at the expense of other regions. They claim that he should be lobbying for development for all the regions in the country, not just Nyanza.
Leaders from Western Kenya, including Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali, Matungu MP Justus Murunga, and former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale, have accused Raila of not using his position to revive the ailing Mumias Sugar Company.
”Raila no longer values western where he claims to be the 13th grandson of Wanga King Nabongo Mumia. Why is he not also reviving Mumias Sugar and telling Uhuru to come to Western Kenya?” Khalwale asked.
The Tanga Tanga MPs pointed out the Port of Kisumu, KICOMI, and the ongoing mega roads projects in Nyanza as examples of the benefits the region is reaping from the handshake. They urged Raila to tell President Uhuru Kenyatta to revive Mumias Sugar and expand the Kakamega Airstrip into an international facility.
Coast region MPs, including Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa, also criticized the handshake, saying it has only divided the region. “I was among those who supported the handshake, but I discovered that it was not for unity. When I decided to back the DP, I was expelled from the party,” she said.
However, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi defended Raila, stating that there are no handshake projects, but government projects. He clarified that the rehabilitation of the Port of Kisumu is a public expenditure programmed within the Ministry of Infrastructure and done through the Kenya Ports Authority.
