By Alex Maina
When he came campaigning, he walked among us, ate with us, spoke our language and promised change. He made the People of Mwanzo, Kambi Karatasi, West and Bacon believe that better days were coming. We voted with hope. But after the win, it all changed.
One of his first moves? Moving the ward office from West to Kiplombe center, his rural stronghold. Now, Public participation happens far from the urban community, most residents silenced by distance.
Those who manage to attend raise real concerns: no security lights, unfinished roads, poor market conditions and bursaries meant for underprivileged families being unfairly distributed. We’re told “it’s in the plan,” yet we see little on the ground.
The youth constantly complain about driving school funds being directed to the rural side leaving out the urban youth. Even worse, the many promises made during campaigns have been forgotten. No support. no support, no jobs. Urban youth feel abandoned and voiceless.
The leader who once walked these streets during campaigns? Now, just speeds past us in a car, distant and untouchable.
One area where things are finally moving is thanks to a World Bank project. At least Mwanzo and Bacon are seeing some growth there. During one of the project’s public participation the MCA stood and took credit, saying he played a big role in bringing it to the area. That’s when you stop and ask yourself,
Is this how leaders operate? Taking credit for what they did not do just to look good in public? Because we know this project was in the works even when he assumed office.
The people of the areas above deserve more than just speeches and forgotten promises.
We want Leadership that works, not one that hides behind borrowed glory
