Governor Okoth Obado, a name that continues to hit headlines all over the country for both the good and the bad reasons. Well, good in the sense that he has decided to work for his people of Migori without minding what others say and especially his political critics. As for making headlines for the wrong reasons, i bet you know why.
The governor has of late developed a close working relationship with deputy President William Ruto who many view as the main obstacle in Raila Odinga’s quest for the country’s top most seat.
The governor has not hosted the deputy President once but twice in his tuff in a period of just one week. This has raised many questions about the governor’s loyalty to his party ODM with many seemingly worried of his ever shifting loyalty from Mr. Odinga. Some leaders from ODM have openly criticized the DPs visit of the Nyanza region with many terming them as political oriented. In fact some leaders like John Mbadi and Junet Mohammed have said that the deputy President is taking advantage of the handshake to advance his political agenda.
Embakasi East Mp Babu Owino, who is a fierce defendant of Raila Odinga and the ODM party has joined in the debate. Babu took issue with governor Obado’s constant association with William Ruto. He pointed out that Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya developed the region without having to go begging for favours from presidential aspirants like William Ruto. Babu insinuates that Governor Obado should follow in to governor Oparanya’s footsteps and work for the people of Migori without having to seek for favours through the back door. Babu has also cautioned Governor Obado whom he referred to as a “murder suspect” to respect Raila Odinga.
“Devolution is working perfectly well in Kakamega without governor Oparanya necessarily walking around with a begging bowl for development from 2022 presidential aspirants like some murder suspect would want us to believe in South Nyanza.HE Rt Hon Raila Odinga apewe heshima yake!” said Babu Owino.
The DP was yesterday hosted by governor Obado, Kuria East member of parliament (MP) Marwa Kitayama and Kuria West MP Mathias Robi.
Much to the delight of residents, Ruto pledged to “work with governor Obado to bring development to the people of Migori”.
“Is there a problem if I work with governor Okoth Obado? I will continue to work with him to deliver development to our people. I will not mind what is said of our closeness,” he said.
The DP urged all politicians to shun 2022 talks and concentrate on service delivery.
“Let us stop this incessant politics and embrace unity and development. The time will come for us to talk politics. We cannot be politicking from Monday to Friday, January to December,” he said.
Does Governor Obado’s Relationship with William Ruto warrant for such attacks from Babu Owino?