A fresh political storm is brewing in Migori County after Kuria leaders launched a blistering attack on Governor Ochilo Ayacko’s administration, accusing it of sidelining the region from key development projects despite the governor’s claims of unprecedented transformation across the county.
The sharp criticism emerged during Madaraka Day celebrations, where Kuria West MP Mathias Robi and a host of elected leaders openly challenged the governor’s development record, setting the stage for what could become a fierce political contest ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In one of the strongest public rebukes directed at the county boss, Robi accused the administration of neglecting strategic economic projects that could create employment and transform livelihoods in the Kuria region.
“The county government has refused to manage the Getonganya Potato Factory. Over KSh100 million was allocated for the project in the previous regime, yet it remains dormant. The governor should set aside even KSh50 million to operationalise it instead of allowing such a valuable investment to go to waste,” said the legislator.
The MP argued that while the county government continues to make grand announcements about development, residents are more interested in completed and functioning projects that directly improve livelihoods.
His remarks were echoed by several Members of the County Assembly led by Tagare MCA Moses Magwe, who questioned whether the governor’s administration had delivered meaningful development to all parts of the county.
“We are not interested in empty rhetoric. Our people want real and actual development. They want industries that work, roads that are passable and opportunities that can change their lives,” Magwe said.
National Government Gets the Credit
The Kuria leaders went further and credited President William Ruto for most of the major projects currently taking shape in the region.
According to Robi, the national government has invested heavily in the Kuria region through road infrastructure, modern markets and educational facilities.
“The President has prioritised modern markets in Isebania and Mabera and those projects have been realised. More than KSh1 billion has also been committed towards roads and educational infrastructure in this region,” he said.
The MP defended the Kenya Kwanza administration against criticism over the country’s economic challenges, arguing that many of the current difficulties stem from global economic pressures.
“The economy is stabilising. The fuel crisis is a global challenge and despite the difficulties, the President remains committed to rebuilding the country and ensuring development reaches every corner of Kenya,” Robi stated.
He also urged parents to invest in their children’s education, describing learning as the surest path to social and economic empowerment.
Isebania Dumpsite Sparks Fresh Controversy
Beyond development concerns, the leaders also raised alarm over waste management in Isebania Town, accusing the county government of exposing residents to health risks through poor disposal practices.
In unusually blunt remarks, Robi criticised the governor’s handling of the issue.
“Governor Ochilo Ayacko is doing a lot of injustice. He is only keen on piling garbage in Isebania Town. He should look for enough land away from the population to dispose of waste. You cannot continue creating health hazards for our people,” he said.
The MP warned that political friendship would not prevent leaders from speaking out when the welfare of residents was at stake.
“Even if he is my friend, that friendship can come to an end if he fails to consider the welfare of our people. If our concerns are ignored, then it will be difficult for residents to support his re-election bid,” he added.
Ayacko Defends Development Record
The criticism came just minutes before Governor Ayacko’s representative Nicholas Ngabiya delivered a lengthy Madaraka Day address outlining what he described as major development milestones achieved during the current tenure.
Among the flagship projects highlighted by the governor through his Chief Officer were the ongoing construction of a 10,000-seater stadium in Migori Town, expansion of Lichota Airstrip, the Muhuru Bay International Port, the Marindi Market project and the County Aggregation and Industrial Park in Macalder.
The governor also cited progress in healthcare, education and economic empowerment programs, including the distribution of KSh54 million to over 500 community groups and plans for an additional KSh40 million targeting women, youth and persons living with disabilities.
His administration further boasts of digital learning initiatives that have reached more than 30,000 ECDE learners and investments in maternal healthcare facilities across the county.
Supporters of the governor argue that these projects demonstrate tangible progress and position Migori for long-term economic growth.
Political Fault Lines Emerge
However, the rebellion by Kuria leaders highlights a growing perception among some residents that development is not being distributed equitably across the county.
Political analysts say the emerging tensions reveal deeper frustrations that could shape the 2027 gubernatorial race.
For Ayacko, the challenge may no longer be convincing voters that development projects exist. Instead, it may be proving that every region of the county is benefiting equally from them.
The dispute also exposes an increasingly competitive political environment in Migori, where local leaders are beginning to draw clear battle lines ahead of the next election.
While the governor is banking on visible infrastructure projects and social programs to secure a second term, his critics are determined to focus public attention on what they describe as neglected projects, regional disparities and unmet expectations.
As Migori moves closer to 2027, the contest is increasingly evolving into a battle of competing narratives: one portraying a county undergoing transformation under Governor Ayacko, and another claiming that large sections of the population remain excluded from the fruits of that development.
For voters, the coming months may determine which narrative ultimately prevails.
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