IRA director calls on western Kenya residents to embrace government projects

Residents of the vast Western region have been urged to stand by the government if they expect to see more development.

The region, which has long supported the opposition, was called upon to “see the light of day” and shift its efforts toward working with the government in order to be transformed like other regions across the country.

Addressing journalists during an Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) training for Kakamega County media personnel, board director Immaculate Shamala called on the Mulembe nation to switch its allegiance to the government and start enjoying more benefits.

“The President was recently here and has initiated several multi-million shilling projects to benefit our people. The best we can do is reciprocate by supporting President William Ruto’s second term, which will see the region transformed into an economic hub,” she urged.

Shamala noted that the region has supported the opposition (ODM) for many years and has yet to experience the full benefits of being in government.

She said the government had shown its willingness to uplift the living standards of the Mulembe people by initiating numerous projects, a move not witnessed in many years.

She cautioned locals against being misled by the opposition, which she said has no real agenda for the region.

“The opposition has nothing to offer us. They are only interested in our votes and are unwilling to invest in our region to see our people flourish. We cannot continue to be used and then abandoned until the next general election. This time, we have made up our minds to walk with the government and start enjoying the benefits that come with being part of the system,” she affirmed.

Shamala criticised the opposition for playing empty politics at the expense of the electorate in the region and warned that the time to rally behind the opposition had passed, following the demise of ODM party leader Raila Odinga, who enjoyed massive support in Western Kenya for many years.

She added that the broad-based government would carry the day and that the region should not be left behind in the formation of the next government under President William Ruto.

According to Shamala, the government has the resources to develop the region, but this can only happen if the people pledge their loyalty by supporting and voting for the President’s second term.