Taita Taveta Senator Jones Mwaruma has confidently declared that the county will remain a firm stronghold of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. His remarks come amidst emerging discussions regarding a potential constituency-sharing or “zoning” agreement between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
Speaking in Voi town after attending a Sunday church service organized by Sifa FM fans, Mwaruma emphasized that local residents have consistently demonstrated their loyalty to ODM in past general elections due to its unwavering stance on national governance.
The lawmaker highlighted ODM’s rich historical legacy in championing democracy and devolution, pointing to the party’s leadership in the successful campaign for the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.
However, Mwaruma raised a red flag over the proposed zoning strategy, warning that such political arrangements risk undermining the hard-earned democratic progress the country has achieved. In the same breath, he urged citizens to reject opportunistic politicians who make empty developmental promises without offering clear, actionable roadmaps for execution.
Turning his focus to local governance failures, Mwaruma launched a sharp critique against a Ksh 70 million borehole drilling rig purchased during the administration of former Governor Granton Samboja. The Senator expressed deep regret that despite the hefty price tag, the machinery has failed to alleviate Taita Taveta’s chronic water scarcity, managing to drill a mere 18 boreholes across the entire county over a span of nearly nine years.
Mwaruma utilized the platform to officially rally support for his upcoming gubernatorial bid for Taita Taveta County. Defending his credentials, he pointed out that senators who transition into governors across Kenya consistently deliver exemplary performances due to their extensive experience in oversight and devolution structures.
He closed by emphasizing that he is uniquely positioned to rescue the county from its current leadership shortcomings and unlock genuine economic development.
