Political Blogs
Why Change is Necessary in Bobasi
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- Published on Tuesday, 18 September 2007 20:50
In 1992, Obure was technically barred from freely campaigning in the constituency as youths at that time ganged up together to make sure he did not rig again. Ababasi were determined to elect anybody, irrespective of what he was, as long as they got rid of Obure.
This is how Mr. Stephen Manoti got elected. Mr. Manoti tried to perform but had his own personal limitations that never allowed him to serve the constituency to desirable levels. In 1997, Obure apologized to Ababasi and pleaded for forgiveness and Ababasi went ahead to elect him as their MP again. Soon after being elected, he again started alienating the people who elected him and resumed his arrogance. In 2002 Mr. Manoti, having positioned himself with Nyachae, took advantage of the FORD PEOPLE wave that swept through Gusiiland and was easily elected. Obure was again sent packing.
Both Obure and Manoti have totally neglected and negated education in Bobasi and the education standards have gone down completely. For Obure, he believes that when his constituents get a good education, they become more knowledgeable and thus pose a danger to his political future. Therefore, by not supporting education, in a way, he is checking competition in his political endeavors. On Manoti’s side, he believes people do not necessarily need education to succeed, having attained the privilege of serving as MP for Bobasi with little education. He does not support education improvement projects and he has totally become a aloof to this critical issue.
Both Obure and Manoti are contracted by Nyamache Tea Factory to transport green tea and fertilizers to and from the Port of Mombasa. The question that is wanting here is why should MPs do business with their constituents? Aren’t they supposed to be the eyes of their constituents? The tea industry is collapsing in Bobasi because of corruption that has been perpetrated by the very people who are supposed to represent them, people who are supposed to objectively protect the interests of farmers. They influence and fund the election of factory directors to safeguard their interests. Surprisingly, some of these directors are semi-illiterates, who cannot effectively dispense their mandated duties. The Directors, instead of representing peoples’ interests, represent the business interests of Manoti and Obure.
Employment of teachers at the district level has not been left free by Mr. Manoti. It is known that he ever colludes with the local education officials and bribes them to have his friends and cronies employed. Moreover, Mr. Manoti rarely or even never participates in national politics and forums, which has reduced Bobasi to an unknown entity in national debates. Ababasi should be felt in national politics and debates and should be involved in shaping the future of Kenya.
These and other issues not mentioned here are critical and need to be addressed urgently. The people of Bobasi need honorable, honest and dedicated leaders to serve them as MPs. Consequently, change is necessary in Bobasi in this year’s election. For this change to be meaningful, it is important that the aspiring candidates clearly spell out their visions, and their agenda to the electorate. They should be issue-oriented and propagators of policies that address the present ills afflicting the constituency. Finally, the voters need to make a wise decision that will unite the people of Bobasi once more by rejecting the divisive, outdated politics of former MPs, Manoti and Obure. Bobasi needs a new, visionary, thoughtful, and honest MP today, not tomorrow.
