Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula has urged Bungoma residents and Western region residents as a whole to come out in large numbers during the census, saying it’s the only way the region will get more funds from the national government. Speaking during the funeral of the late Florence Khaleche, who was the wife of the chairman of the Tachoni Council of Elders and Mumbo staff Wasilwa Wekesa in Webuye East sub county, Wetangula said in the last census ten years ago, the Western region was second in terms of the population numbers even though many people weren’t enumerated. He has urged chiefs and their assistants to help to ensure residents under their areas of jurisdiction take part in the exercise. He said Senators from the region will have an advantage when it comes to sourcing money from the government if the region’s population count is highest.
He noted that this time round, the exercise will be digitized and dispelled notions that the biometric kits will be used to weed out thieves and other people who are involved in criminal vices, saying that such headlines are being used to keep away Kenyans from taking part in the exercise. However, he assured mourners that his Presidential ambition is still intact and urged the whole community to rally behind him. He also called on Luhya leaders to work together for the sake of development, and at the same time, drummed up support for the constitutional amendment, saying it’s meant to ensure Counties get more funds.
West Media was represented by Walter Namisi among others who consoled Mzee Wasilwa Wekesa, and reassured him that the West Media management will continue standing with him through the tough time, adding that he has been instrumental to the growth of Mumbo FM. Wasilwa Wekesa eulogized his wife as the best mother to his children, who stood by him all the time as he recounted their life experiences together since 1975. He thanked all those who stood by him during this hard time including West Media, and urged Bungoma leaders and residents to work together for development to be achieved. Mama Florence Khaleche died after a short illness.
