Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on elected leaders to take their responsibilities seriously and stop passing the buck. Speaking during the 45th Logooli Cultural Festival in Mbale, Vihiga County, on December 26, Mudavadi emphasized the critical role leaders play in delivering services and fostering development.
Mudavadi, addressing Members of County Assembly (MCAs), highlighted the importance of devolution as enshrined in Kenya’s 2010 Constitution. He urged MCAs to prioritize legislation and bills that directly impact service delivery and development at the county level. “Leaders at all levels should take responsibility and stop this habit of pushing the blame to the next person. Every leader must deliver on what they are supposed to do as elected leaders,” he said.
Citing an example, Mudavadi expressed disappointment that resolutions made during the 44th Logooli Cultural Festival last year, such as gazetting the Mbale Cultural Grounds for modernization, had not been actualized. He encouraged MCAs to act promptly to fulfill their legislative mandates.
As the patron of the Vihiga Cultural Society, Mudavadi reiterated his commitment to preserving and promoting Maragoli culture. He emphasized the role of culture in fostering national unity and encouraged leaders and residents to support cultural initiatives. “I love the people of this region and I love our culture. We should never allow it to die. It has to prosper. I’m proud to be a Maragoli and a Luhya, but I am more proud to be a Kenyan,” he stated.
The Prime CS also defended the government’s support for Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission chairmanship bid. Mudavadi assured that January would be a busy month for him and President William Ruto as they campaign for Odinga ahead of the February elections. “We have confidence in Raila, and we are supporting him with the best effort we can,” Mudavadi said, emphasizing that their support was unconditional. He lauded Odinga as a visionary leader capable of advancing the African Union’s objectives of unity and prosperity.
Mudavadi warned against political gimmicks from leaders, particularly from the Western region, which could undermine the unconditional support for Odinga. “Even President Ruto is supporting him without any conditions,” he asserted.
On the domestic front, Mudavadi urged Vihiga residents to embrace the new Social Health Insurance Fund under the Taifa Care program. He criticized those opposing the initiative, accusing them of harboring hidden agendas to cripple the healthcare sector. He noted that counties like Nyeri, Embu, Narok, and Kirinyaga had made significant progress in registering residents for the program, with rates ranging between 30-40%, compared to Vihiga’s lagging 12-13%.
“We need to be serious and stop introducing politics into this matter. This scheme will transform healthcare access for all Kenyans,” Mudavadi emphasized.
The Prime CS also addressed the escalating insecurity in Vihiga County, assuring residents of his commitment to restoring normalcy. “I will take responsibility and ensure security improves to protect lives and prevent fear among residents,” he promised.
The 45th Logooli Cultural Festival, themed “Komenya M’bugwi,” meaning “living in a new land occupancy,” drew thousands of attendees, including dignitaries such as the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Kenya, Sultan Hajiyev. The event celebrated the rich Maragoli culture and showcased the community’s resilience and unity.
Mudavadi’s remarks were a call to action for leaders and residents alike to embrace responsibility, preserve their culture, and actively participate in development initiatives for a prosperous Kenya.
