Kakamega MPs Gang Up against Fernandes Barasa over Alleged Stalled Projects, Poor Healthcare

• Pressure continues to mount on Kakamega governor Fernandes Barasa over his development track record
• Kakamega county woman MP Elsie Muhanda and Ikolomani’s Bernard Shinani were the latest to accuse the governor of failing to focus on his mandate
• The legislators challenged the governor to pull up his socks or resign to pave the way for others with locals’ interests at heart

A section of Members of Parliament in Kakamega county has hit out at Governor Fernandes Barasa over stalled projects and dilapidated health services in the county.

Why are Kakamega MPs against Fernandes Barasa?

Led by Kakamega woman rep Elsie Muhanda and Ikolomani’s Bernard Shinani, the legislators accused the governor of forgetting his manifesto that he used woo locals to vote for him during the 2022 General Election campaign period.

Speaking in Kakamega town on Sunday, May 25, during issuance of motorcycles to over 25 boda boda riders, Muhanda said the county boss had failed in executing his mandate. She challenged him to resign.

"Barasa has failed the Kakamega people. He has forgotten what he told voters in 2022, and I will make sure he serves only one term," the MP said.

According to the legislator, Kakamega town’s roads are in a pathetic condition despite traders paying levies and taxes to both the national government and the devolved unit.

Muhanda asked the governor to use the revenue they are collecting from the traders to fix the roads.

"Town roads have potholes that are not only damaging boda bodas but also exposing riders and their customers to various risks. We want Barasa to act fast. Our town is also dirty, but we pay taxes. Please use our taxes well, or we will come for you," the MP added.

She also warned county enforcement officers against harassing boda boda operators and other traders, especially in urban areas.

Challenges facing Kakamega healthcare

In addition, the legislator urged the county to prioritise health by addressing concerns raised by the striking doctors. She also expressed the need for health facilities to have sufficient basic drugs and other essential medical supplies that will ensure quality healthcare.

"My people, especially pregnant and lactating women, are suffering when seeking services in county health facilities. The facilities have no basic equipment like gloves in delivery rooms,” she claimed.

Ikolomani Member of Parliament Bernard Shinali also shared his concerns over the leadership of the Kakamega governor.

Shinali challenged Barasa to organise numerous public meetings and use them to explain to locals how he has utilised billions that Kakamega county has received for the period he has been in office.

He also faulted the governor’s move to initiate several projects while those started by his predecessor, Wycliffe Oparanya, remained incomplete.

"The county has money meant for public participation, and Barasa must come out and tell the people of Kakamega what he has done in three years. He should explain why we don't have drugs in hospitals when patients are suffering," Shinali said.

Criticisms against Barasa’s leadership and development track record came days after the governor told off his critics.

Speaking during the launch Matungu Level Four Hospital, the county boss asked those that have been publicly criticising his government to focus on their respective constitutional mandate.

"Ignore those statements because they are misleading. We have drugs in all our health facilities, and what they are saying is propaganda,” Barasa said.

Khwisero MP lectures Fernandes Barasa

Previously, TUKO.co.ke reported that Khwisero Member of Parliament Christopher Aseka had also hit out at Barasa over poor services in county-run health facilities.

Aseka claimed most of the facilities had no basic drugs.

He challenged the governor to resign or focus on ensuring Kakamega residents get value for the taxes they are paying.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke