Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma Backs Raila Odinga’s Push for National Dialogue, Urges Unity in Addressing Key Issues
The Governor highlighted that the governance reform calls by the youths come at a crucial time when senior government officials are boasting of their positions while others flaunt their wealth amidst widespread suffering.
Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma has criticized leaders within the Azimio La Umoja Coalition for their rigid stance against the multi-sectoral dialogue proposed by President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The national dialogue aims to address pressing issues facing Kenyans, especially those highlighted by protesting Gen Z youths. However, it has faced opposition from coalition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Party), Martha Karua (Nark Kenya), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP Kenya), Jeramiah Kioni (Jubilee), Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Root Party Leader Wajackoyah.
Dr. Otuoma has expressed strong support for Raila, emphasizing that the forum should be seen as a platform to address national challenges rather than just a discussion between the head of state and the opposition leader. “Baba is a top diplomat who cannot allow our country to burn under his watch. This is the reason he saw it prudent to engage in the forum to stabilize the country, and I am fully behind him,” he stated.
The Governor highlighted that the governance reform calls by the youths come at a crucial time when senior government officials are boasting of their positions while others flaunt their wealth amidst widespread suffering. He reminded everyone of the country’s progress from the dark days of abductions, detentions without trial, and other atrocities, thanks to the sacrifices of Raila and other reformists. “The Gen Zs have raised pertinent issues that need to be addressed. However, we should not allow unscrupulous individuals to take advantage of such an initiative for their self-interest.”
Dr. Otuoma made these remarks during the County Field Day and launch of Livestock vaccination at Busia Agricultural Training Centre on Friday. He also reiterated that the Ward-Based Agriculture Sector-Driven Rural Economic Revitalization Programme, initiated by his government, aims to reduce poverty by 50 percent and ensure over 142,000 farming households are food secure by 2027. “For the last year, through the Department of Agriculture, we have unveiled different programs focused on improving sustainability and commercialization of agriculture by leveraging innovations and technologies for aggregation, agro-processing, and export-oriented value addition,” he noted.
He encouraged investors to exploit the many opportunities in manufacturing and agro-processing, which will ultimately create employment opportunities for the youths. The county boss was accompanied by County Executive Committee Members Dr. George Mukok (Agriculture), Mrs. Topista Wanyama (Finance), Chief Officers Timothy Odende (Agriculture), Mercy Imo (Veterinary Services), Members of County Assembly led by Majority Leader Josephat Wandera, and a host of farmers.
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