Rather than provide reliable water supply, the county government decided to set up water kiosks to the chagrin of area residents
By Fredrique Ntele
Kajiado East Member of Parliament Peris Tobiko has blamed the water shortage in Kitengela on neglect by the county led by Governor Joseph ole Lenku.
She accused the governor of sabotaging the water project in Kitengela despite efforts made by the national government and spearheaded by the presidency to ensure that there is sufficient flow of water in the rapidly growing urban center.
In February last year, President Uhuru Kenyatta, while passing through Kitengela on his way to Arusha, Tanzania, ordered water ministry officials to ensure that Kitengela residents get reliable water supply, an order that is yet to be fulfilled to date.
The Kajiado county government decided to instead set up water kiosks, much to the chagrin of area residents. Ms Tobiko dismissed the decision to set up water kiosks, terming it a backward step.
“As a representative of the people of Kitengela, I would like to say enough is enough; the people of Kitengela deserve better services from the county government, not the beatings our people have been subjected to,” said a fuming Tobiko.
She was speaking at her constituency offices in Kitengela during an event to issue bursary cheques for needy but bright students in Kajiado East, for the year 2020. Other leaders who spoke during the event expressed their support for the MP and hinted that they would back her should she decide to gun for a “higher” seat in the county.
Oloosirkon Sholinke Ward MCA Francis Kaesha urged the crowd to rally behind the MP for meaningful development and direction on the BBI debate. “Mimi kama MCA wenu nawashauri tumsikize mbunge wetu atuelekeze kwa mambo ya maendeleo, na BBI personally I support it fully. Hon Tobiko akisema twende left… right… we will do that,“ said Kaesha.
His sentiments were echoed by former Kitengela Ward MCA Nathaniel Sinkeet, who accused the county government of laxity and presiding over a poor development record. “For years, we have been treated to rhetoric by the County Government of Kajiado. They claim to have collected Ksh1.5 billion in revenue but my question is, what have you done with that money? What have you done with nearly Ksh20 billion from the past two financial years?” asked Sinkeet amid cheers from the crowd.
He urged Tobiko to vie for the governor’s seat in 2022.
