The Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika has called upon politicians to shun political goonism which she said is hindering development in the country.
Mbaika instead challenged the politicians to engage in peaceful campaigns based on ideas and policies that would benefit citizens besides impacting positively to national development.
She particularly, took issue with the violence that is being meted on innocent residents of Olkarau ahead of the forthcoming by-election and urged politicians to stop intimidation.
Mbaika said wananchi should be given opportunity to exercise their democratic right in electing the person they want.
The PS exonerated the government from the violence being witnessed and instead blamed the opposition for the chaos.“This politics of goonism should stop, let leaders’ campaign through ideas and policies that will change the lives of the people,” said Mbaika.
Speaking during the Women Economic Empowerment Forum at Enzai market, in Mukaa Subcounty on Monday Mbaika added: “Let those who compete honorably and win be respected.”
She pointed out that Ukambani region has been peaceful during campaigns but took issue with recent violence witnessed in parts of Mombasa Road saying this must stop.
“In the past few months, we have seen violence in parts of Mombasa Road. This is not an election period, leaders should allow the government to work,” she stressed.
Mbaika informed the residents of Kilome that the government was implementing various projects in the area including markets and affordable housing where they would get employment opportunities hence earn a living.
“The government has initiated the construction of a market and affordable housing here. You are the ones who will work here and earn a living to buy food for your children,” she observed.
During the forum, she encouraged women to embrace entrepreneurship besides investing in income generating activities to enable them earn a living saying it is imperative for them to take advantage of the government programmes to uplift themselves economically.
Among those in attendance were Kibwezi West Member of Parliament (MP) Mwengi Mutuse, Tanathi water Works Development Agency (TWWDA) Chairperson Regina Ndambuki, former Mbooni MP Kisoi Munyao, Head of the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP) Dr. Andrew Mulwa, Dr. Stephen Ndolo, Director, National Syndemic Diseases Control Council and a Director at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Damaris Maweu.
By Patrick Nyakundi
