MPs peg their re-election bids on development projects amid Ruto’s corruption slur
President William Ruto’s scathing attack against the Parliament terming it as a breeding ground of corruption is set to dent re-election bids of many Members of Parliament (MPs).
According to analysts, the move by the Head of State is set to jeopardize the re-election bids of many parliamentarians who will find themselves on the receiving end of the graft claims.
This now leaves the legislators with one option of solidifying their electoral bases fulfilling promises to their electorates.
Lawmakers across the 290 constituencies are now racing against time to deliver on their campaign promises through prudent use of National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) monies and facilitation of education in grassroots.
A recent poll by research firm Dependable Brands indicates that despite the current political heat in the country including the fallout between the legislature and executive over corruption allegations, lawmakers are in a rush to implement and complete development projects in their constituencies.
Dependable Brands CEO Joe Mutheki in an interview said that MPs are already warming up to retain their positions in the next polls, which will only be achieved by fully implementing crucial development projects including roads, markets, schools, security, electricity among others, in their respective constituencies.
“Prudent utilization of the NG-CDF especially in facilitating and improving education through bursaries and construction of education facilities has been touted as a major score for majority of the lawmakers,” maintained Mutheki.
He said for instance in Juja constituency, more than three new schools including St George, Dekoma and Witeithie primary schools have been put up to decongest the existing facilities and to promote quality education for learners.
“Impactful projects will give the current lawmakers an upper hand against their opponents come 2027,” Mutheki said.
At Chuka Igambangombe constituency, led by MP Patrick Munene, Mutheki noted that key educational infrastructure has been put in place in a project aimed at raising academic standards in the area.
Implementation of these projects has been actualized through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF). Among the major projects includes construction of the Chuka KMTC.
“Parents with students in secondary schools are paying sh 1000 per term while the rest of the schools fees is settled by the NGCDF. These are some of the projects that are ensuring that learners don’t skip classes or fail to attend school which will in turn improve academic performance,” he said.
He also added that recent polls and research indicate that most lawmakers have resolved to tone down their political activities in their respective areas and instead, they are now launching, inspecting and commissioning development projects.
“We are committed to delivering high-quality, data-driven insights that reflect the true voice of the Kenyan people. Our recent findings indicate that most MPs are running against time to deliver what they promised their people,
“Most of them have completed several notable projects while others are still in the implementation stages. This is what Kenyans want, work,” Mutheki stated.
The poll conducted in 35 constituencies indicates that development politics will override party and tribal politics in the next general elections.
“The response we have received from Kenyans in different constituencies is that all they want is developments that will improve their living standards and offer solutions to a myriad of problems they face in their lives,” said the researcher
Among the constituencies where the polls have been conducted include Konoin led by Brighton Leonard Yegon, Karachuonyo (MP Andrew Adipo), Sotik (Francis Kipyegon), Nambale (Geoffrey Mulanya), Chuka Igambang’ombe (Patrick Munene), Yatta (Robert Basil), Kilome (Thaddeus Nzambia), Kitutu Chache South (Anthony Kibagedi), Laisamis (Joseph Lekuton) and Embakasi Central represented by MP Mejjadonk Benjamin Gathiru.
MPs involved in the pollster include Koimburi (Juja), Charity Kathambi (Njoro), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili), Joseph Kalasinga (Kabuchai), Bishop Titus Khamala (Lurambi), Lilian Achieng (Rangwe), Obadiah Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu), Musa Sirma (Eldama Ravine), Jackson Lentoijoni (Samburu East) Kassim Tandaza (Matuga), Julius Mawathe (Embakasi South), Joseph Kimutai (Kipkelion East), Falhada Iman Dekow (EALA) and Richard Yegon (Bomet East).
Women Representatives are also engaging in empowerment activities through the National Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) as they seek to have a competitive edge in the next elections.
Some of those involved include Zam Zam Mohammed (Mombasa), Rael Chepkemoi (West Pokot), Lydia Haika (Taita Taveta), Jematiah Sergon (Baringo), Beatrice Adagala (Vihiga), Christine Ombaka (Siaya) and Catherine Omanyo (Busia).
Senators Ali Roba (Mandera), Wahome Wamatinga (Nyeri) and Peris Tobiko (Nominated) are also involved in the polls.
The MPs are privy that the population they are leading is woke and will vote according to one’s performance in terms of developments and legislation.
