Former Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu reiterated his pledge to address long-standing development gaps during a campaign visit to Voi, citing incomplete infrastructure projects and persistent healthcare challenges. The 2017 construction of two Early Childhood Education classrooms near Sagalla Ward's ACK St. Monica Church remains uncompleted, according to Mruttu's assessment.
"It is unfortunate that these projects are yet to be concluded despite allocated funds," Mruttu stated after inspecting the stalled ECDE site. He emphasized systemic issues in county-run hospitals, where medical supply shortages and staffing crises have worsened since 2022. Health workers' unions accused the current administration of bad faith following a planned strike in February 2022 over delayed salaries.
"The single biggest cry is on healthcare. There are no medicines in county-run hospitals and most people cannot afford private care," Mruttu said. Recurrent medical worker strikes, driven by unpaid wages, have exacerbated service disruptions, with unions alleging the administration has failed to resolve disputes.
Mruttu's re-election campaign contrasts with the current governor's tenure, as he faces incumbent Granton Samboja in the August 9 General Election. Other candidates include Patience Nyange, Andrew Mwadime, and Agnes Wakesho. The former governor urged voters to prioritize peace ahead of the poll, calling it essential for progress.
