I have read an article in one of todays newspapers, titled, Nyachae tells Kisii MPs to support Ongwae Perhaps there is a need to put this in context. On Friday, i attended the funeral of Omongina Pamela Monicah Ogega, at Nyabiuto, Kiogoro, in Nyaribari Chache. As i arrived at the function, my friend and MP for Kitutu Chache South, Hon Richard Onyonka was speaking. In his speech, Hon Onyonka criticized Governor Ongwae in very strong terms, and in fairness to him, he set out the reasons for which he was criticizing the Governor. He was clearly angry! When i was given a chance to speak, i light heartedly chided my friend Hon Onyonka for obotindi, but more seriously i expressed the view that since the Governor and all elected leaders were given an elective mandate by the people of Kisii, we, as residents of the County, should give them space, opportunity, and indeed support, to deliver on their mandate to us. At the end of their term, we shall of course hold each elected leader to account. My point is that we will not have the moral authority to hold them to account, if we do anything that undermines them in that mandate. That said, robust public engagement and participation, are fundamental pillars of our system of governance, and such engagement includes criticism where appropriate. Leaders must take in their stride.
Posted on: Mon, 02 Dec 2013 10:30:07 +0000