Ministry of Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen told off an opposition legislator and youth winger for supporting a demonstration during a state function.
Murkomen on Wednesday told off Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohammed for advocating for demonstration during the launch of the first commercial flight at Migori Airstrip.
Mohammed in her speech said she was happy that Fly Skyward was launching a week direct flight from Migori to Nairobi which will ease her travel to be able to take part in three anti-government demonstrations in a day.
“I will be demonstrating in Migori in the morning, catch a fly to be part of Nairobi demonstrations and even finish off the demonstrations in Mombasa,” Mohammed said.
“Fatuma should know when we have investors in a state function like now she should not talk about demonstrations, talking about using flights to cover multiple demos is in bad faith.”
He said opposition leaders should “make the brand name of this region not to scare away investors like those seated here”.
Murkomen also chided Calvin Okoth Otieno alias "Gaucho", opposition youth winger for wearing the red beret cap used by youths in anti-government demonstrations during the function.
"When I saw Gaucho with that resistance beret, I thought I was not safe here and I had to seek assurance from Governor Ochillo Ayacko that we are safe here,” he said.
He said there is no need to have demonstrations since the same agenda by former president Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga and current president William Ruto is to develop the country and there is a need to share ideas.
He said Raila was like a father figure in the country and as a government, they will work together to cooperate with his ideas to make Kenya better.
“Both Raila and Ruto have said there is no handshake and nusu-mkate sharing of government, that is enough ground to work together but sadly his party ODM is out to frustrate same leaders working with government,” he said.
Raila’s wife Ida who was the chief guest at the function said it was unfortunate that the same government has withdrawn their security and there is fear of victimization of staff from the previous regime in government.
“I wonder how some of us are left to feel if our security is withdrawn and other Kenyans fall victim in government because of people they associate with some of their decisions should have a human face,” she said.
Ayacko said the launch will open up travel, tourism and trade from Narok, Kisii, Homa Bay counties and nearby Tanzania, especially around Maasai Mara, Serengeti and Thim Lich Oinga attractions.
“We are done with three hours of travel to catch a flight in Kisumu,” Ayacko said.
Murkomen said the Migori and Homa Bay airstrips will be extended to 1.7 kilometres to be accessible to more flights while a new bigger terminal will be built in Migori to make it a one-stop centre and point of entry for travellers in Tanzania.
He said his ministry, trade and agriculture will have a joint meeting with traders to ensure a cargo dispatch business for fish, horticulture and other goods are taken directly to Nairobi and even exported outside the country.
Others who attended the function were Migori senator Eddy Oketch, Kuria West MP Mathias Robi, Suna West MP Peter Masara, Awendo MP Walter Owino, Skyward Express chairman Mohammed Abdi, and Migori speaker Owino Likowa among others.
