Calvince Okello speaks during a fundraiser at Rabango village in Rangwe constituency/Robert Omollo/ROBERT OMOLLO
Leaders should prioritise the needs of the electorate to transform the lives of the people, National Vice Chairperson of the County Workers Union Calvince Okello has said.
Okello argued that the failure by some elected leaders to implement a people-centred agenda has contributed to the current underdevelopment and poverty in some Luo Nyanza counties.
He said there is a need for leaders to change the way they serve the people, especially by aligning their actions with the priorities and needs of the electorate.
According to Okello, political rhetoric is increasingly taking centre stage among some political leaders instead of economic development.
“Leaders are elected to serve in accordance with the needs and priorities of the people. Unfortunately, this is no longer happening among most current elected leaders because they don’t provide solutions and instead have become self-seekers,” Okello said.
Rangwe MP aspirant Calvince Okello speaks during a fundraiser at Rabango village in Gem West Ward,/ ROBERT OMOLLO
The unionist said his leadership would focus on education and road infrastructure as a way of eradicating poverty in the constituency.
He was accompanied by former councillor Peter Adede.
Okello said he has been championing the prudent use of funds, especially NG-CDF, and that if elected, he would ensure the money benefits the people.
He alleged that Rangwe Constituency has received more than Sh2 billion since the inception of devolution, but little can be pointed to as having been achieved.
According to the unionist, leaders should focus on empowering youth and women to enhance development. He said the constituency still has many roads that are impassable.
“We shouldn't be conducting fundraisers to support school infrastructure development in Rangwe because there is NG-CDF to do that. But we do so because leaders misuse public funds,” he said.
He called for an end to the misuse of youth in acts of violence during political gatherings ahead of the General Election.
In the recent past, some politicians from Homa Bay County have been accused of using goons to disrupt peace during rallies.
Okello wants ODM leadership to take control and ensure free and fair party nominations.
He said the party would not need to call for zoning if nomination exercises are conducted appropriately.
“A credible nomination will ensure only popular candidates get the ODM ticket to win elections. There’s no need for political zoning if ODM can conduct credible party primaries,” he added.
