Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda Faces Criticism For Launching Mud-Floor Mabati Offices
Tuesday, Kenyans criticized Senator Tom Ojienda of Kisumu for inaugurating a mabati structure designated as the new office for the Assistant Chief in the Achego sub-location.
The structure is made of iron sheets, also known as mabati, with an earthen floor and a wooden door secured by a blue lock.
During a political event on Sunday, Senator Ojienda cut a green ribbon to denote the official launch of the office, much to the ire of Kenyans throughout the country, who used the event as a club to beat him.
“I always say, turn to the government because that is the only way you can bring development to your people,” the Senator said during the launch.
Kenyans responded to the news by calling it a joke and an insult to Kenyan electors.
“I don’t know if the leaders we have do things intentionally to see Kenyans’ reactions, how can this be called an office? This country by all means needs to be serious,” one stated.
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In addition, a portion of Kenyans accused the senator of misusing public funds and sparing pennies to build the shanty and present it as an office.
“What a perfect insult to the community of intellect! I mean, when we’re busy launching our haciendas with basic degree certificates, a whole professor is launching a cowshed and calling it a national government office,” one remarked.
Others questioned why such officials were in government, ridiculing citizens with subpar initiatives.
These actions, according to the majority, diminish Kenya’s prestige in the eyes of foreign nations.
Kenyans seized the occasion to draw parallels between the launch of Ojienda and the launch of a modern assistant chief’s office by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
Ojienda, who is among the leaders expelled from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for violating party rules, was further mocked for his perceived disloyalty due to his political alliance with President William Ruto and frequent visits to State House.
“Is this the kind of development that he and his colleagues went to seek from the statehouse?” one questioned.
Others questioned why the law professor felt it necessary to commission a low-quality structure despite the presence of his constituents and journalists.
Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda Faces Criticism For Launching Mud-Floor Mabati Offices