It was always difficult for ODM Luo MPs to seek development projects from the government as the party had maintained the government was failing. To seek services from a failing government was therefore a contradiction.
The other reason ODM Luo MPs rarely visited government offices to seek projects was the scorched earth opposition posture we had maintained, where we held weekly press conferences attacking govt institutions for various infractions — some of which were infractions happening elsewhere.
The result was that most govt projects were concentrated in areas where the govt received ready support, and where MPs were able to visit govt offices for various projects — lobbying. One of the most road-networked regions in Nyanza is South Mugirango Constituency.
The tarmac road network in South Mugirango covers nearly 70% of the constituency. Not far from South Mugirango is Ndhiwa Constituency where the tarmac road network is at a measly 10% or below.
These imbalances in development arose because of the Luo opposition politics which burdened our region and our people even as other regions attracted govt support and progressed. What will stop Ndhiwa people from voting for a regime that’s about to upgrade the constituency’s key road – the Gor Mahia ring road – to bitumen standards, after years of suffering?
Many people do not understand the state of underdevelopment in Luo Nyanza and why the people there are embracing President Ruto. Regions with 90% road networks on bitumen, villages with piped water, towns cashing in on years of debt-write offs, have the luxury to oppose and fight President Ruto. Some of us do not.
Dikembe Disembe is a Political Researcher and Writer
