Legislators from Taita Taveta County have assured President William Ruto that the region will not hold anti-government protests.
Speaking during an interdenominational prayer at Mwatunge grounds in Mwatate on Sunday, the leaders said that they have unanimously agreed to work with the government in a bid to unlock development in the county.
Four of the legislators are affiliated with the Azimio coalition.
They are Voi MP Hamisi Chome (Wiper), Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako (Wiper), Mwatate’s Peter Shake (Jubilee) and his Taveta counterpart John Bwire of Wiper.
“Today we assure you that we will not hold any demonstrations in our county. We have made a decision to support your administration,” Mwashako said during the prayer service attended by President Ruto.
Other presents were Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.
Governor Andrew Mwadime, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa, Nyeri woman Rep Rahab Mukami, and Uasin Gishu Woman Rep Gladys Boss Shollei among others.
Mwashako said the region had lagged behind because of being in opposition, further pleading with the government to assist the county get a pie of revenue collected from Tsavo National Park.
Bwire on his part revealed that county leaders have agreed with residents to participate in the demonstrations against the Finance Act and the high cost of living.
“I am among those who voted against the Finance Bill but am now convinced that we need to make decisive decisions for the benefit of our people,” the first-time MP said.
He asked the president to prioritise the completion of the Taveta -Njukini- Illasit Road to ease movement along the busy road.
The four legislators now join Woman Representative Lydia Haika who has been President Ruto’s point person in the county.
Haika, who is representing Kenya Kwanza in the bipartisan talks team, is the only UDA elected legislator in the county.
Senator Jones Mwaruma (ODM) was however conspicuously missing in the service.
The second term senator is Odinga’s blue eyed man in the county.
There were no demonstrations in the county last week during the three-day anti-government protest called by ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The region is considered an ODM zone with the party commanding a majority of members in the county Assembly.
However, the president is seemingly out to tussle the county from the former prime minister.
This is the first time Ruto is holding a public meeting in the county since the August general election.
Governor Mwadime also pledged to work with Ruto’s government to implement his development agenda.
The independent governor asked the national government to help him set up industries in the region, pointing out that the level of unemployment has ballooned for lack of industries.
“Our equitable share is little to set up industries. Kindly help us tap the potential in leather industry and agriculture,” Mwadime said.