Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi Speaking during a church service at Our Lady of Rosary Catholic Church, Kaseve in Mutituni Parish. Photo Andrew Mbuva 
By Andrew Mbuva
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has urged residents of Ukambani region to remain united behind their own leaders as the country heads toward the next General Election, warning that disunity could weaken their bargaining power at the national level.
Speaking during a church service at Our Lady of Rosary Catholic Church, Kaseve in Mutituni Parish, Mwangangi drew parallels between the unity of the church and the unity needed in the political arena.
“Our unity will be our strength. Now that one of the leading presidential contenders comes from this region, it is important that we remain united behind our own. Other regions are solidly behind their leaders, and we should not allow anyone to come here and dupe us into abandoning ours,” he said.
Turning to the upcoming Mumbuni North Ward by-election, Mwangangi said the poll would serve as a litmus test of the region’s political resolve.
“This election will be a testimony that we are ready for the bigger seat. When they come telling you to elect an individual but not a party, just know it is a ploy to weaken you nationally. In their backyards, you cannot win without belonging to the dominant party,” he noted.
The Deputy Governor also took issue with the government’s handling of the Social Health Authority (SHA), accusing it of misusing citizens’ contributions. He alleged that money collected through mandatory annual payments was being diverted to fund political activities.
“The government is asking citizens to pay SHA for a whole year. That is the same money being used to call delegates to State House and dish out Ksh 10,000 each, yet the President claims to be fighting corruption. Why have we not heard him address the billions said to be lost in SHA?” he posed.
Mwangangi further echoed concerns raised by Catholic bishops over the scheme, saying the government appeared indifferent to Kenyans’ suffering.
“The SHA money is what we are seeing being dished out in the name of empowerment. Don’t ask where they are getting this money — it is obvious. Even our bishops have flagged this as a problem, but the government doesn’t seem to care,” he added.
