Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and nominated ODM Senator Beth Syengo have been entrusted with spearheading broad-based government initiatives in Ukambani. Their appointment follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Friday.
The two leaders will be at the helm of an inclusive initiative aimed at fostering civic engagement and actualizing the commitments outlined in the MoU. Their responsibilities include addressing key governance issues, enhancing public participation, and ensuring the Ukambani region benefits from national development programs.
“We’re determined to be the face of this broad agenda, ensuring the voices of Ukambani residents are front and center,” remarked Mbai.
The MoU between Ruto and Raila identifies critical areas of focus, including the implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, promoting inclusivity, strengthening devolution, and protecting the livelihoods of youth. Additionally, it seeks to address urgent national concerns such as corruption, public debt, government efficiency, and the protection of citizen rights.
Mbai, who serves as UDA’s chairman in Kitui County, emphasized the significance of this collaboration in reshaping Ukambani’s political landscape. Syengo echoed his sentiments, stating that their partnership is not just about cooperation but also about reimagining governance to prioritize the needs of the people.
The MoU underscores the need for inclusivity in all spheres of public life, acknowledging that while Kenya’s Constitution safeguards the rights of minorities and marginalized groups, implementation has been lacking. The leaders committed to rectifying this by ensuring equitable resource allocation and fair opportunities in public appointments.
“Kenya belongs to all persons regardless of their ethnicity, religion, generation, or geographic location. All Kenyans are equal and entitled to an equitable budgetary resource allocation and opportunities in public appointments,” the MoU states.
As Mbai and Syengo take on their new roles, their success will depend on how effectively they engage the local communities, navigate political dynamics, and translate the MoU’s commitments into tangible benefits for the people of Ukambani.
