Migori governor Ochillo Ayacko has called on President Willam Ruto to extend an olive branch to politicians who stood with his Kenya Kwanza Brigade amidst a strong wave of Azimio La Umoja during the last general elections.
Dr Ruto has been on a five day development tour of Nyanza region and was in Migori County to spearhead several development projects within the region.
Without mincing words, the outspoken governor singled out former Migori governor Okoth Obado who was Dr Ruto’s point man in Nyanza for state appointment and asked the president to return the favor.
“Kwa sababu wewe ni mpenda watu na mpenda wakenya, tunaomba uongeze nafasi za kazi kwa watu wetu wa Migori walio simama na wewe mwaka jana.Na san asana, Umkumbuke Okoth Obado aliye kutafutia kura zaidi katika eneo hili letu. (Since you love Kenyans and the people, we are asking you to reward those who stood with you during the last elections. Of importance, kindly remember Zacharia Okoth Obado.To be frank, It is only Obado who sought votes for the Kenya Kwanza administration against the wave of Azimio in this region.”
Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko
Mr Obado has not been offered a place in the Kenya Kwanza administration and has remained jobless after his two stints as a county boss ended in 2022.
This comes despite several state appointments that have since been awarded to Kenya Kwanza loyalists from the region.
Notable is former Nyatike legislator Mr Edick Anyanga who unsuccessfully contested the Nyatike seat and lost to incumbent Mr Tom Odege.
Mr Anyanga has since been appointed as the chairman of the Kenya Nuclear Board.
Others who have benefitted from plum state appointments include former Migori gubernatorial aspirant Rebecca Ghati Maroa (Director Lake Basin Development Authority), Mrs Bevin Bhoke(Member of the Lake Basin Development authority)Mr Jared Kopiyo (Chairman Sony Sugar Board),Mr Paul Siengo (Member of the Postal Cooperation of Kenya) Betty Oranga (Member of the Street Families Association)
According to Dr Ayacko, several government slots are still unoccupied hence the need to reward the Kenya Kwanza loyalists from Migori who ensured the Dr Ruto ascended to the presidency.
“Kindly consider other sub Counties of Rongo, Suna West, Uriri, Suna East, Nyatike and even here in Awendo, we still have enough personnel who can serve in your government,” Dr Ayacko said amidst cheers from locals.
Some notable figures in the county allied to Kenya Kwanza administration include John Pesa and Mr Dalmas Otieno who unsuccessfully vied for Migori gubernatorial seat.
Others are Mr Valentine Ogongo, Mr Fredrick Ogenga and Mr Elija Odhiambo who made a stab at Suna West, Nyatike and Suna West Constituencies but were rejected at the ballot.