By FLEVIAN GEOFFREY: A political storm is brewing between Kuria West leadership and the Migori County Executive-local legislators have accused Governor Ochilo Ayacko’s administration of turning the region into a dumping site for the entire county’s refuse.

Speaking during a development tour that quickly escalated into a fierce political rally at Mabera Market, Kuria West Member of Parliament Mathias Robi launched a scathing attack on Governor Ayacko, claiming the county administration has fundamentally failed the electorate in waste management and basic service delivery.

Mr Robi expressed deep fury over allegations that waste collected from external markets across Migori County is systematically transported and dumped within Kuria West, specifically targeting the border town of Isebania.

“Kila mtu atupe takataka kwao! Hakuna kutoa takataka kwa soko zingine ati zinaletwa Isebania,” a visibly angry Robi told a cheering crowd. Gavana Ayacko tafuta shamba pahali takataka zinaweza tupwa.” (Let everyone dump trash at their own places! We will not tolerate garbage from other markets being hauled to Isebania. Governor Ayacko must find land elsewhere for a proper dumpsite).

Mr Robi, serving his third term as a lawmaker, lamented that despite Kuria West contributing significantly to the county’s revenue base, the only visible “development” the county executive seems keen on delivering to the area is mountain-high filth.

“Ile maendeleo tunaweza pata kutoka kwa Governor Ochilo ni maendeleo ya kutupa takataka eneo la Kuria West,” Robi added sarcastically.

Negative health and economic impacts

Echoing Robi’s sentiments, Tagare Ward MCA Moses Magwe, who accompanied the lawmaker on the constituency tour, vowed that he would not relent in holding the Migori County government to account.

Magwe also spared no ammunition for local leaders whom he accused of being co-opted by the county executive, directing sharp criticism toward Masaba Ward MCA, Clarkson Mwita.

“Mimi sitachoka kusema yale mabaya gavana Ochilo anatenda. Na MCA mwenzangu wa Masaba, endelea kuunga mkono uchafu inaendelea kwa ofisi ya governor,” Magwe fired, accusing his colleague of turning into a “yes-man” while residents suffer.

Meanwhile, the crisis has reached a boiling point for local traders; in Isebania town, residents have raised concerns over severe health risks, citing a sharp rise in vector-borne vectors due to the unmanaged piles of waste.

Charles, an Isebania resident and businessman, revealed that the illegal town dumpsite has already triggered a local economic downturn.

“Biashara mingi zimefungwa sababu haziwezi nawiri juu ya hiyo dustbin,” Charles stated, pointing out a local restaurant that was recently forced to shut its doors permanently due to the overwhelming stench and flies.