Transport Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen publicly differed with Nandi Senator, Samson Cherargei. According to Cherargei, non-local contractors should not be given a chance to handle projects in the Rift Valley region. Saying that priority should be given to local contractors.
Speaking during the funeral of the son of Chesumei MP Paul Biego Polo, the move according to Cherargei will benefit local residents.
Translated from the local dialect.: “I hear that some people are saying that they want to bring people from other communities to be contractors. Give our children the priority of being contractors because if we don’t teach our children to be strong contractors, we won’t be competitive.”
This did not sit well with the Transport CS who immediately stood on an opposive ground. Murkomen replied to this by saying that the move is outdated. He added that every Kenyan has a right to work in any part of the country as long as he/she fulfills what is expected of him/her.
Murkomen stated that there are contractors who are working outside their community. Therefore such ideas will only bite them back as a communit.
“What about our people whom we have given big contracts owing billions and are in Central and Mombasa? Do you want them to be chased to come home? As your teacher, I have brains and a plan. Any contractor who comes to Mosoriot from any community. Be it a Kisii or any other, let’s welcome them all to build us roads. My work as the CS is to ensure that all roads are constructed properly.”
This sounded more of a mature thinking and reply by Murkomen. Being hostile to other communities at home will attract the same energy to their people elsewhere.
The CS took a dig at Cherargei stating that had William Ruto used the same ideas, he’d not have been president. Such retrogressive ideas are backward, outdated and will only affect them sooner or later.