- He spoke on Friday during a morning talkshow at a vernacular radio station
- He said he is okay with Nyamita and Masara's interest in the seat, which he will defend in 2027
Image: PCS
Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko has downplayed bad political relationship between him and three legislators in the county.
Ayacko said his office has never clashed with any elected leader in the county.
He said any difference witnessed in public is not personal.
“My working relationship with legislators in Migori is smooth. We might have differences, but that does not affect our work to wananchi,” Ayacko said.
He spoke on Friday during a morning talk show at a vernacular radio station.
In the past, Ayacko had publicly clashed with Uriri MP Mark Nyamita and Rongo MP Paul Abuor, two ODM rebel legislators who decided to work with President William Ruto despite warning from party leader Raila Odinga.
Days ago, his closest political ally Suna West MP Peter Masara called out Ayacko for undermining him as a legislator despite supporting his governorship bid.
“The difference between me, Nyamita and Abuor is that I am an ODM party loyalist and they are not. They are my friends and on matters development we have been working together,” Ayacko said.
He said he is okay with Nyamita and Masara's interest in the seat, which he will defend in 2027.
“I know and understand that attacks directed at me and my administration is a ploy to try and make an incumbent look bad for their own good,” Ayacko said.
He said he will not be deterred by the legislators' attacks, which started two months after he was sworn into office.
“My focus as the seat holder is to work and deliver to Migori residents, when time for campaign comes I will be on a turbo charger speed in my campaigns and it will be hard for them to keep up with me on the campaign trails,” Ayacko said.
The governor also criticised the recent InfoTrak polls, which placed his administration among top 25, saying the sampling and those interviewed included MCAs and staff hostile to his adminstration.
Ayacko took over from Okoth Obado in the 2022 elections and attempts to streamline his staff have been derailed by ongoing court case filed by former public service board chair and Obado’s political ally Jared Kopiyo.
“I don't agree with the decision of the polls, but we have taken it positively and we will see the areas to improve in our service delivery,” he said.
Last Thursday, a group of Suna West ODM officials led by nominated MCA Anne Kiyeye and party chair Johnnes Wasonga and several traders called for a truce beween Masara and Ayacko.
“Masara stood by Ayacko when he campaigned and what we have witnessed has been fueled by some leaders, as far as we are concerned the two leaders need to talk,” Kiyeye said.
Wasonga said Masara is yet to declare his interest for the governor's seat.
“We are afraid that the division between Masara and Ayacko will bring division in the ODM party and the region,” he said.