The Kenya Kwanza supporters in the Western region have witnessed rifts between the Amani National Congress (ANC) Party and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party whereby both parties have their own candidate yet no one among them is willing to step down for the other despite being under the same Coalition.
Jackline Okanya who is the only woman in the race for the Member of Parliament seat in Mumias West Constituency and whose under the ANC Party has expressed her urge to lead her people and has affirmed that she’s not going to pay attention to the people who are trying to convince her to leave that race to Rashid Echesa of the UDA Party.
She also mentioned that although Mumias West Constituency has several resources, it is saddening since the resources have not been utilized properly in the previous years as well as education.
Jackline mentioned that her Constituency has bright students who tend to drop out of school due to lack of school fees while others stop their academic journeys at form four levels despite doing well in their national exams just because their families cannot comfortably pay their college fees, university and even those children who did not manage to finish either primary or secondary school level but are willing to join the technical institutions to undertake the short courses which has now become a major issue in the region.
On the other hand, Jackline also pointed out that the residents in region are forced to walk for long distances in order to get water and since parents also involve their children which has resulted to increased teenage pregnancy in the region, she has therefore assured the residents that if elected in the August polls she will ensure that almost every family will be able to access clean water with no more struggles among other crucial issues including electricity to the poor families.
However, Jackline also stated that it’s unfortunate that despite the CDF setting aside funds mainly for the sports sector, Mumias West residents did not get any support from the funds and if given the opportunity she would therefore wish to see the Constituency stand out by supporting the young talents to the national level and even beyond.
Jackline also condemned zoning acts in the Kenya Kwanza party and dismissed the claims that her name might not appear on the ballot box come August 9th saying IEBC being an independent body whose rules are clearly outlined and it always abides by its law therefore the body cannot be influenced by few individuals. She also urged other political parties to believe in IEBC.
Finally, Jackline stated that she was not going to drop the race because of her opponent from the UDA Party despite her part leader Honorable Musalia Mudavadi pleading with her to leave the position since all the two parties are in one Coalition.
By Ebby Tsuma
