"Take them back": Ukambani MP warns NGO drilling boreholes without involving him
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Mwingi Central MP Gideon Mulyungi has warned Life Water Canada against implementing borehole projects in his constituency without involving him
- The lawmaker said the Canadian NGO should take its boreholes back to Canada if it failed to involve his office
- His remarks sparked criticism online, with some Kenyans questioning why he would oppose a charity organisation providing water projects to residents
An Ukambani MP has warned a Canadian non-governmental organisation (NGO) against drilling boreholes in his constituency without involving him and the local community.
Mwingi Central MP Gideon Mulyungi criticised Life Water Canada over what he termed a failure to involve him in its activities in the constituency.
Speaking during a recent event in the area, Mulyungi said the organisation should engage both local residents and his office before implementing projects.
What did Mwingi Central MP tell NGO drilling boreholes?
“Life Water Canada, I want to tell you that this is Mwingi Central in Kitui county, in Kenya. We do not like corruption. You must involve the community in whatever you do, and you must involve the member of parliament, who is Gideon Mulyungi,” he said.
The MP went on to issue a stern warning to the organisation, saying it could take its boreholes back to Canada if it failed to involve him.
“If you don't do that, you can take your boreholes back to Canada. Hatutaki. Washindwe washindwe,” Mulyungi said.
His remarks sparked mixed reactions online, with some Kenyans questioning why an elected leader would oppose an organisation providing water projects to residents.
Life Water Canada's work in Kenya
Life Water Canada is a Canada-based charity organisation that supports water, sanitation and hygiene projects in countries including Haiti, Nigeria, Kenya and Liberia.
According to information published on its website, the organisation operates under a three-step approach designed to empower local teams and promote community ownership of its projects.
The first step involves training and equipping local teams in six areas of WASH programming, including well drilling, well rehabilitation, well repairs, latrine construction, dignity kits and workshops.
The second involves local teams working alongside community members to complete projects, with the organisation saying this approach helps create ownership through community involvement.
The third step involves donor support to make the projects affordable for communities.
Kenyans react to MP Gideon Mulyungi's remarks
Mulyungi's comments attracted criticism from some Kenyans, with several arguing that the focus should be on increasing access to water rather than political involvement in development projects.
Panuko10 wrote:
“This is beyond stupid! Instead of encouraging them to drill more, you are issuing stupid threats.”
Aleks the Audiologist said:
“Politicians want their subjects to continue suffering so they can always manipulate them.”
Dat commented:
“Life Water Canada, please come to Kitui rural. We will accommodate you. We need water, not useless politics.”
Shadrack Ndetei said:
“This is very inappropriate. If you, the MP, cannot look for partners, why start chasing them?”
Nick asked:
“How many boreholes have you drilled for your constituents? If you had, the NGO would not have come to the area.”
Warren alleged that the MP's objection was motivated by political interests, writing:
“What is hurting him most, he wanted to use the NGO projects for his own political mileage. He wants to brand his pictures then deceive his constituents that he drilled it.”
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.