By Betty Luke
A row is brewing between Isiolo MCAs and Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan if the happenings during Thursday’s Mashujaa Day celebrations are anything to go by.
None of the 18 MCAs, 10 of them elected, attended the celebrations at Isiolo town police mess grounds that came 57 days after the Governor took over the reins of power.
County Speaker Mohammed Roba Qoto was supposed to welcome the MCAs before making his address that preceded that of the Governor but that never happened.
While several MCAs that we spoke to remained tight-lipped over their absence at the meeting, some of them disclosed that all was not well.
“Our absence was to show that we can independently make our own decisions and that we will not be used for rubberstamping purposes,” one of the youthful MCAs said.
It is claimed that some of the ward representatives were opposed to the recently unveiled list of county executive nominees and want some of the names dropped.
Residents who spoke to The Press Point termed the decision as unfortunate saying all the elected leaders should work together for enhanced development.
“It is too early for them (MCAs) to start revealing their differences. We want to see them working towards improved livelihoods,” Abdi Mohammed said.
Senator Fatuma Dullo, who County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding was unwell, Isiolo South MP Mohammed Tubi and his North counterpart Joseph Samal were also not present.
Mr Samal had allegedly gone to State House for awarding ceremony for heroes and heroines by President William Ruto.
Governor Guyo promised to work passionately for electorates to ensure improved service delivery and livelihoods.
His focus, he said, was on fulfilling his campaign manifesto and dealing with pangs of hunger that have exposed thousands of families to inexplicable suffering.
“I will not condone laziness among county staff. If you do not want to work, be ready to go home even if you are from my community. My working style is different from that of my predecessors,” he said.
The Governor said he will work closely with other elected leaders in efforts to realize more development in the region.
He further revealed that his administration was working with the county assembly to finalise the legal and regulatory framework that will aid in establishment of a business fund from which youth and women will access interest free loans that will help them either expand their existing businesses or start new ones.
“I am focused to ensure this fund is soon set up, disbursed to the right group and capacity building done to achieve the desired impact,” he said.
