Homa Bay leaders told to account for poor development, not blame marginalisation

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Political commentator Benard Mokamba Onchwari has challenged Homa Bay leaders to answer questions about their development record instead of repeatedly citing historical marginalisation

- Onchwari said the disruption surrounding Linda Mwananchi’s Homa Bay visit shifted attention to the county’s infrastructure and the performance of leaders who have held office for years

- He also warned that political confrontations hurt the very residents leaders claim to protect by disrupting businesses, transport and livelihoods

Political commentator Benard Mokamba Onchwari has challenged Homa Bay leaders to account for the county's development record instead of blaming historical marginalisation for persistent challenges.

Onchwari's remarks followed Sunday's political confrontation in Homa Bay, where the Linda Mwananchi movement faced resistance during its visit to the region.

He argued that what was intended to be a contest over political territory instead exposed the condition of infrastructure on the ground and shifted public attention towards the performance of leaders who have held elected office for years.

Why is marginalisation being raised?

Onchwari said Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma may have expected the main conversation to focus on whether Linda Mwananchi leaders were welcome in their political backyard.

“On Sunday, as Linda Mwananchi was making its way to Homa Bay, Wanga and Kaluma must have thought that the conversation of the day would be about who was welcome on their turf and who wasn’t,” Onchwari said.

He argued that the events surrounding what he described as the “poorly thought-out operation instead attracted nationwide attention and exposed the state of infrastructure in the county.

“But the aftermath of the poorly thought-out operation ‘Keep Linda Mwananchi out of Homa Bay’ attracted the attention of the entire country, and we all got an unfiltered look at the state of infrastructure on the ground,” he said.

According to Onchwari, the debate consequently changed from political ownership of Homa Bay to the performance of its elected leaders.

“The conversation quickly shifted from ‘who owns Homa Bay?’ to, ‘What have you done with Homa Bay ever since you were elected?’ And suddenly, they started decrying marginalisation,” he said.

Onchwari acknowledged that historical marginalisation remains a genuine concern in parts of Kenya, but argued that it should not be used as a blanket explanation for development challenges after years in elected office.

“There are legitimate concerns about the historical marginalisation of parts of this country, yes. But that cannot become an answer to every question about the record of leaders who have held elected office for years,” he said.

What should elected leaders answer for?

Onchwari argued that some leaders had previously escaped intense scrutiny because of the political influence of former prime minister Raila Odinga and the strength of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party in the region.

“Many of these leaders have survived scrutiny in the past because Raila’s clout covered everyone seeking a mandate on an Orange ticket. Now the chickens are coming home to roost,” he said.

“If you have been in parliament for years, people are going to ask what you did with the mandate,” he added.

Who bears the cost of political disruption?

Onchwari also criticised the disruption of political gatherings, arguing that residents ultimately suffer when political contests descend into chaos.

“A sitting MP should be the last person encouraging the disruption of a political gathering in his own constituency,” he said.

He noted that political confrontations can have consequences beyond the politicians involved, particularly for businesses, traders and transport operators.

“Beyond the territorial contest, beyond the needless loss of life and limb, there is an economic cost to that kind of chaos. Businesses lose customers. Traders lose income. Transport is disrupted,” he said.

“The people who bear that cost are the very constituents you were elected to represent,” he added.

Onchwari urged politicians to pursue their political interests without disrupting the lives and livelihoods of residents.

“You cannot claim to be protecting your people while inviting disorder into their town in the name of protecting your turf. Do your politics, but for heaven’s sake, let the people do their business,” he said.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.