By Betty Luke
A section of residents from Isiolo’s Turkana community have castigated last week’s heckling of President William Ruto during his visit to the county.
According to the residents, it was unfortunate that Dr Ruto was heckled while visiting to launch development projects that would not only benefit the locals but also open up the county for investment opportunities.
Turkana Council of Elders patron Samuel Lokoro said the heckling had been well planned and was aimed at distracting President Ruto from delivering his promise to the residents.
“We wonder why the President was neither heckled at the abattoir nor at the affordable housing project in LMD but experienced chaos in Isiolo town. That clearly indicated that it was a well-planned crime,” noted Mr Lokoro.
Turkana Council of Elders Secretary General Gregory Ewoi noted that the pastoralists’ communities had remained marginalized for a long time and therefore wouldn’t oppose development.
Saying the county was in dire need of various interventions ranging from agriculture to health, infrastructure and education, the elder asked the Head of State not to shift his attention to the region.
“We have many challenges including water shortage, poor road network and drought affecting us as pastoral communities. We appreciate the president’s visit as it is a clear indication that he is mindful of marginalized communities,” he said.
According to the residents, Dr Ruto deserved a better treatment as we was out to push for the completion of the stalled projects that would offer job opportunities to the young people.
“It is unfortunate that the majority of those who disrespected the President are young people who are jobless,” noted youth leader Wilson Kabon.
The locals faulted the county government over failure to engage young people meaningfully making them vulnerable to misuse by leaders out to fulfill their selfish interests.
“The youth are disgruntled due to lack of jobs. They think it is the national government that has failed them but the truth is the county government has failed to complete the mega projects that would have offered them jobs,” noted Zachary Sileta.
The residents have appealed to Dr Ruto to push for the completion of Isiolo market, the county headquarters and the abattoir to create opportunities as well as boost the local economy.
“If money is allocated but no tangible progress has been made, it means that money has been pumped elsewhere and not into the project in question. We appeal to the President to intervene and ensure public money is properly utilized,” added Mr Lokoro.
