Former Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma has spoken for the first time about how his successor, Anyang’ Nyong’o, helped him secure the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ticket ahead of the 2013 elections.
Ranguma said securing the nomination was an uphill task but Dr Nyong’o assured him that his ticket was intact.
“Securing an ODM ticket is not an easy task. Some people collect them at a petrol station, while others secure them from people you do not even see,” he said in Kisumu on Monday.
Ranguma, who has announced his return to the gubernatorial race, described his comeback as the beginning of a new dispensation and a return to what he called a journey of development and growth for Kisumu County.
He said that journey had been “nipped in the bud” in 2017, not because his administration had failed to deliver, but because of what he described as political expediency at the time.
“We have remained respectful to the current leadership and granted them the opportunity to serve,” he said.
Ranguma said the current administration had served for two terms and that voters should be allowed to assess its record.
“I will not be the judge. I will allow the residents to judge for themselves,” he said.
“But I want to say this: during my reign, Kisumu witnessed significant growth in all sectors.”
Development record
Ranguma said his administration implemented 1,157 projects and constructed 522 roads across the county’s seven sub-counties.
In the health sector, he said his administration constructed 95 dispensaries and equipped them with medicines and staff.
He also said the county installed 45 solar-powered floodlights in major markets as part of efforts to promote a 24-hour economy.
On education, Ranguma cited the Governor Jack Ranguma Scholarship, through which he said 280 needy and bright students benefited. He added that more than 10,000 students received bursaries.
“I introduced a school feeding programme and constructed 68 eye centres,” he said.
He also claimed his administration made progress in addressing flooding, particularly in Nyando, through the desilting of rivers and excavation of riverbanks.
On water supply, he said 80 boreholes were drilled and equipped to address water shortages across the county.
Ranguma also highlighted measures targeting the informal sector.
He said boda boda riders were taken to Rwanda on an exchange programme to learn about the industry, while the county built boda boda shades and helped establish savings and credit co-operative societies.
Ranguma said his administration created an environment in which businesses could thrive by paying contractors and suppliers promptly.
“When I left office, the pending bill at the close of the financial year was Sh800m, and we had funds in our kitty to pay the pending bill,” he said.
He said his return to elective politics was partly motivated by a desire to complete and rehabilitate projects he said had since stalled or deteriorated.
“I know what it takes to turn around the economy of Kisumu and give hope to everyone,” he said.
Among his priorities, he said, would be reviving businesses in Kisumu, rehabilitating damaged access roads and addressing growing water insecurity.
Ranguma described himself as a prudent financial manager, tested and proven and said he wanted to create opportunities for a new generation of local millionaires and restore Kisumu City’s economic vibrancy.
“I have not come to make wealth but to serve our people; to improve staff welfare through capacity building, training and promotions where possible,” he said.
Respect for Nyong’o
Despite seeking to return to the governor’s office, Mr Ranguma said he respected Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and had no ill feelings towards him.
“Governor Nyong’o has done his part. I have no ill feeling towards anyone,” he said.
He described politics as a contest in which candidates can either win or lose, but said political differences should not prevent leaders from working together for the benefit of residents.
“Politics is a game played; you win and lose altogether, but we join hands for a common purpose, which is development,” he said.
Ranguma appealed to Kisumu residents to support his candidature, saying his priority would be to restore economic growth, revive stalled development projects and improve services across the county.
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