Report by Leo Odera Omolo in Oyugis Town.
The newly created Homa-Bay County should not be turned into a dumping ground for retirees and deadwoods who have already been kicked out of public and private sectors.
“The new County is endowed with a lot of natural resources, which can make it one of the richest in the Republic if proper people are put in the right places in connection with its governance.”
The above remarks were made at the week end by Dr. Mark Matunga, an executive with the Microsoft Computer International, when he addressed a fund raising meeting in aid of Kasipul-Kabondo students who are studying for degree courses at Kampala International University and other institutions of higher learning in Uganda. The students numbering about 130 had called for Harambee to enable them off-set their fees in arrears at those institutions.
A total of Kshs 525,000 was raised by Dr. Matunga, who stood as the chief guest on behalf of the invited Guest of honor, Mr. Fidel Raila Odinga, made a personal donation of Kshs 50,000 and Mr Fidel Raila Odinga sent a cheque for Kshs 50,000. The students themselves had raised Kshs 240,000 at their various activities. Kasipul-Kabondo MP Oyugi Maguwanga sent Kshs 20,000.
Other donors were Dr. Onyango, who is a senior lecturer at the Kampala International University, who gave 10,000, Dr Kambona Oyugi, of the USAID, 10,000, Maseno University students, 10,000, Nairobi University, 10,000, Egerton University, 10,000, Mrs Eve Obara, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Literature Bureau, gave 5000.
Those in attendance at the function Included the former Kasipul- Kabondo MP, William Oloo Otula, Tom Okong’o, of Central Kabondo Ward in Rachuonyo County Council, several civic leaders, DO In-charge of Oyugis and others.
Dr.Matunga said that when he is elected the governor of Homa-Bay County he would establish a vibrant Education Fund, which will be disbursing money to the needy students, and all those with ambition of furthering their knowledge.
He said the new constitution dispensation has given every Kenyans an opportunity to acquire more knowledge. It has created Counties where the local residents would be able to run their own affairs. The funding of Counties, to enable them to function well and cater for the residents, would need credible people who could look for resources from outside. It also will be the duty of the County governor and his team to organise how to generate revenue from internal sources of the resources. The people in the top position must be credible and well known, both locally and internationally, so that they could access financial and development funds both internally and externally.
“A heavy task lies ahead and this task does not required retired and tired politicians and ex-civil servants, but people with fresh ideas who could brain-storm and workout for plans and strategies for the new County to enable it prosper,” said Dr. Matunda.
He advised his audience to confront those aspiring for the various positions of governance in the Homa-Bay County with tough questions about their past track records and what they have been doing for the community.
He advised the youth to engage themselves in gainful occupations, and to work hard and prepared themselves for the future leadership. He decried the culture of handout, which he said is promoting laxity and idleness
He explained how he had personally initiated the construction of a new road network on Mfangano Island, his rural home, and another Kshs 2 billion involving the electricity supplies, which is generated by a powerful engine, though he had worked for only five years since his return home from the US five years ago.
ENDS
Good leadership is hinged on character and vision. The question the aspirants should be asked is about their vision and character. In the past we have elected thieving representatives who have done many things for the peolpe before being elected. What people did not question was the the source of the streaming resorces which many a time were stolen. Once elected such people used to stealing went on looting sprees.
Surely, contributing millions in harambees is not an indicator of leadership!!!!
We are also seeing a number of later day crooks cloaking themselves in the shepskin of youth to hoodwink Kenyans. Would you guys give us a break!!!!!
If one is well endowed, let them contribute the excess they have but it is hypocritical to steal, then contribute to buy leadership.
Yes Dr. Matunga, we need creative minds in Homa-Bay County!! Minds that can salvage our community from the currently experienced poverty!!
is he the same one who has scandals reported on the internet? just asking
Could Dr. Matunga tell us who those retired and tired aspirants for Homa Bay county governorship are. I tend to imagine that someone who is retired and tired is by the death bed and cannot pose any challenge to this man. Dr. Matunga you may kindly tell us something new to convince us of what you stand for and not bashing other aspirants based on age.
I agree that Homabay should not be the dumping place for retirees. the politicians will have their say, they will bash each other and bring the voters to themselves. That is what these apeople are all about. Its time for us to get up in arms and make this county ours. :Let them take the huge offices but our main work of rebulding can only come from us. The best thing we the light minded should do is make the less enlightend aware and shy away from the controlded print, video and audio media.
Mr Matunga was a parliamentary aspirant in Dagoreti constituency last elections and was last. Why homabay county?
It is high time the people of Homa Bay start judging their leaders according to history, their legacy, what have they done to deserve the leadership positions they are asking for. Do they have the academic, experience, and skills required to perform in these positions? Or are they upto some economic gain?
Ladies and Gentlemen, all your concerns and fears are real,it is in the same breath tha i propose that no impositer should be allowed to run away with Homa Bay governorship.All the candidate must be ready or forced to give their full detail,including 1. EDUCATION BACKGROUND 2. WORK EXPERIENCE 3. ACHIEVEMENTS 4. VISION FOR THE COUNTY 5. ABILITY TO PERFORM NOW 6 .Pulicly declear their wealth.If most of us are in agreement then i have the idea on how to start the process.
Dr. Matunga from current statistics indiduals from private sectors realy make bad leaders. Who is dumping who? Your leadership is untested and please have respect for other contestants.