Two Kisumu MCAs have urged ODM leaders to respect and support Interior PS Raymond Omollo towards his quest to uplift the lives of the Luo community.
Gard Olima (South West Nyakach) and Kelvin Oraro (Kolwa Central) said Omollo means well and was focusing on development in the Nyanza region.
They also defended him over his recent remarks after slamming ODM leader Raila Odinga for selectively dealing with perceived party rebels.
Olima pointed out that the PS only spoke on issues which the community has been facing and the efforts he was making to help them.
The PS said it was a worrying concern that ODM leaders working with the government in Luo Nyanza are the only ones punished by Raila's party while those from other regions are spared.
Olima said Omollo should be treated with decorum and supported to continue uplifting the lives of the Luo community.
“We are supporting Dr Omollo in his quest to help the Luo community. We cannot be against one of our own (PS) appointed by the president,” Olima said.
“As a community, we need to stand with him because he has made tremendous efforts in helping our people. We have brothers and sisters who have benefited since he was appointed by President William Ruto."
The MCA said the community should wake up and understand that they cannot get everything they want but need to rally behind the PS to benefit from the government.
They told off Kisumu chief whip Seth Ochieng alias Adui and budget committee chairman Joachim Oketch alias Swagga for disrespecting Omollo.
“It is regrettable that the duo came out to insult the PS for championing the plights of the community instead of focusing on matters of assembly,” Oraro said.
The duo had said that Omollo was not the first person from the region to hold the Interior PS position.
He challenged Ochieng and Oketch to emulate other chief whips in Nyanza who are humbled and serve residents diligently.
“It is true we did not vote for Ruto, and the best we can do is to embrace his presidency by working with him for development. As those in leadership, we must focus on helping our people,” Oraro said.
Omollo also criticized the ODM party for punishing MPs who visited President William Ruto at the State House early this year.
He expressed concern with the manner Luo Nyanza leaders have been treated unfairly by the opposition leaders.
“We have elevated some people until they take us for granted and look down upon us. We have been slaves for some people until they think we deserve nothing good,” he stated.
Dr Omollo regretted that only Luo Nyanza leaders from the ODM party were being punished for working with the government and not elected leaders from other regions.
He said leaders should speak freely and openly without intimidation on matters of development.
“We have to be part of the government and benefit from the available resources. We must take the government programmes seriously and shun divisive politics,” Omollo said.
The PS questioned why only MCAs and MPS from Luo Nyanza were being reprimanded when they visited his office and State House.
“We have seen MCAs in our region punished for visiting me in a public office. I’m the son of Luo Nyanza working with the government. Why punish my brothers or sisters who visit me? he asked.
They also backed ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo who has shown interest in uplifting the lives of the people through advocating for problems facing the community.