West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo commemorated his one year in office after taking the helm of the County leadership. The celebrations that took place on Wednesday at Laikong girls secondary in Chepareria ward brought together religious leaders, elders and residents from various parts of the County who came for a moment of prayer and reflection.
Clad in Pokot traditional regalia, Governor Lonyangapuo and other leaders participated in the Pokot Kirket celebration before he was entertained by traditional dancers before the huge crowd.
He said that he looks back to his first year as Governor with joy and gratitude to God, for his vision of making West Pokot great is well on course.
He noted that he supports President Uhuru Kenyatta’s efforts to fight graft in the country and warned corrupt individuals in the County, saying he’ll ensure all stolen public property in the County is returned.
He reiterated he has spearheaded unity among elected leaders in the County which has led to tremendous development since he entered the office.
“We have people who are not happy about the handshake. Leaders have decided to put aside their differences to develop the County,” he said.
Governor Lonyangapuo urged leaders to shun political rivalry and develop the County. “Leaders and residents should desist from politics and engage in meaningful development. I’ve worked assiduously since I was sworn in,” he said.
He noted that there has been a great success in regard to the promises he made to the people of Pokot one of which is giving priority to education, and he has given out bursaries for all students and upgrading of learning infrastructure. “We want to promote education and enable our children to learn well,” he said.
On infrastructure development, Lonyangapuo said the County has supported the ongoing land adjudication program in Shalpoh, physical planning works in Chesta, Kongelai and Kapchemogen towns, inclusion of the County in Kenya urban program support program (KUSP) for the next five years over 400 million, partnership with FAO on digitization of lands records and negotiated for street lighting for urban centers across the county,opened roads in all 20 wards of 104 kilometers, graded 700 km roadworks in the whole County and opening of new roads. “Our County needs more funds to implement other projects,” said Lonyangapuo.
Other projects include issuance of ten thousand title deeds, tarmacking of Chepareria and Ortum inner town roads, construction of 26 public toilets among other projects.
Area Senator Samuel Poghisio said that the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and NASA leader Raila Odinga has brought peace in the County. “We need unity for prosperity to be realized and we shall support the Governor,” he said.
Also present during the celebration were Tiaty MP William Kamket, Pokot South MP David Pkossing and West Pokot woman representative Lillian Tomitom.