A simmering power struggle between Migori County Government and Suna West Member of Parliament Peter Masara burst into the open at Kababu centre in Wasweta II Ward after the county allegedly moved in hurriedly and defensively to stop the construction of the Suba Council of Elders headquarters, only after learning that the MP had already mobilized materials to the site.
Sources at the site claim the county sprang into action after getting wind that MP Masara’s trucks had begun delivering construction materials, including ballast, hardcore and sand.
Shortly thereafter, county officials arrived and pegged the land, abruptly halting the works and leaving shocked residents and elders watching from the sidelines.
The county’s response appeared rushed and uncoordinated, with officials unable to clearly state how much money had been budgeted for the project, raising questions over whether the headquarters was ever a priority until the MP stepped in.
Tensions were evident when Health CEC Caleb Opondi, who led the county team to the site, addressed the media.
The CEC who was visibly agitated, infuriated and hot-tempered, as he defended the county’s position amid mounting criticism.
Despite the heated exchange, Opondi promised that Governor Ochilo Ayacko would officially launch the project within three months after its completion, a statement that further fuelled confusion, given that construction had been stopped.
The Suba Council of Elders, led by Chairperson Riogi Riogi, stressed that the council urgently needs an office, having conducted its affairs under trees for years.
Riogi further stated that the project is non-political and open to support from any leader, including MPs from neighboring constituencies.
However, some local residents expressed frustration over what they termed as delayed and reactive leadership.
The residents shared that Riogi noted and the elders had previously approached the county for support but waited for long without action, forcing them to welcome assistance from the MP.
The dispute however, is widely being interpreted as a high-stakes political chess game, with MP Masara reportedly eyeing Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko’s seat in the 2027 general elections.
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