Ruto Promises Creation of Teso County
Ruto Promises Creation of Teso County
Ruto Promises Creation of Teso County
On Sunday, January 21, President William Ruto declared that he will advocate for the establishment of Teso County, which he said would be divided from Busia. Speaking at a local political event, Ruto said that although advocating for the issue would be difficult, he would do it in his capacity as Head of State.
Teso County’s establishment has long been a divisive topic in the area, as Ruto’s interruption during his speech to address the request made clear. Ruto said, “What you are asking me is hard, but I will try my best,” to applause from the people of Teso.
However, the President issued a warning, saying that if the people of Teso continued to support his political opponents, he would not grant their request. The leader of Azimio, Raila Odinga, was consistently selected by the region as its favorite candidate for president, despite the fact that he had built roads, health facilities, and other social amenities in the area.
When requested to help create Teso County, he responded, “If you want me to continue working for you, then you must also reciprocate during the voting period.” Ruto received political support from the region from Western leaders who accompanied the President, including Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Among the suggestions put up to the National Dialogue Committee by the people living in the corresponding regions were the establishment of Teso County and Saboti County (which would be split off from Trans Nzoia). The recommendations of the Committee will be brought to President Ruto and Azimio Leader Raila Odinga after being debated by Parliament in February.
