McCauley Wycliff
Member
Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga has hit out at Alego-Usonga MP Samuel Atandi for criticizing former US president Barack Obama for doing nothing for his ancestral village, Kogelo.
Speaking during an interview earlier this week, Atandi claimed that Kogelo has nothing to show despite having links with Obama, who was once the most powerful man in the world.
Governor Rasanga termed Atandi’s comments as misplaced, stating that although Obama has Kenyan roots, he is not a Kenyan citizen.
He added that it was inappropriate for Atandi to make such remarks at a time when the family is mourning the death of Mama Sarah Obama, the grandmother to Obama.
“I heard the MP utter unfortunate comments about the former president of the US who has roots in our county. The unfortunate comments must be condemned,” Rasanga said.
He added: “The MP should not have waited until Mama Sarah to pass on to issue such statements. If he had any issue with any of the Obamas, he should have looked for a better avenue to channel his displeasure.”
On his part, South East Alego MCA Joseph Mboha said the region benefitted greatly from the Obama family, citing the tarmacking of Ndori-Kogelo-Ngiya road and increased tourism.
“It is not right to claim that our area did not gain from the former president. The trading centre in Kogelo is more vibrant today, teeming with international tourists who just come to trace his roots. These visitors spend money in the area whenever they visit which boosts the local economy,” Mboha said.