A political rift has emerged in Migori County after leaders from the Kuria community launched a scathing attack on Governor Ochilo Ayacko’s administration, accusing the county executive of systematically sidelining the region from key development projects.

The public fallout occurred during the Madaraka Day celebrations, where Kuria West MP Mathias Robi, alongside several local leaders, openly challenged the governor’s development record.

The sharp exchange signals an early and aggressive start to the political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Stalled Agro-Processing plant

In a direct rebuke of the county chief, Robi accused the administration of abandoning strategic economic installations that hold the potential to create jobs and boost local agricultural livelihoods.

The lawmaker pointed specifically to a multi million shilling agro processing facility in Kuria West that has fallen into disrepair.

“The county government has refused to manage the Getonganya Potato Factory; more than KSh100 million was invested in the project during the previous administration, yet it remains dormant. The governor should allocate even KSh50 million to operationalise it instead of allowing such a valuable investment to go to waste,” Robi stated.

The legislator argued that taxpayers are fatigued by grand bureaucratic announcements and are demanding completed, functional projects.

His sentiments were echoed by Tagare Ward MCA Moses Magwe, who questioned whether county resources were being distributed equitably across Migori’s sub counties.

“We are not interested in empty rhetoric. Our people want real development. They want industries that function, roads that are passable, and opportunities that can improve their lives,” Magwe said.

Kuria leadership, on the other hand, credited President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration for the primary infrastructural developments currently visible in the region.

According to Robi, national government interventions have successfully filled the development void left by the county executive.

The major projects mentioned by the lawmaker from the national government in kuria region includes completion of modern market hubs in Isebania and Mabera,over Sh1 billion allocated toward road networks and educational infrastructure within the Kuria sub-counties.

Defending the national executive against criticism over the high cost of living, Robi attributed domestic economic pressures to global market shocks, asserting that the national economy is on a path to stabilization.

Beyond structural development, the local leaders raised an alarm over deteriorating waste management practices in Isebania Town, accusing the county government of creating an environmental and public health hazard.

“Governor Ochilo Ayacko is doing a lot of injustice. He is only keen on piling garbage in Isebania Town. He should acquire adequate land away from residential areas for waste disposal,” Robi warned.

The MP emphasized that local oversight would take precedence over political alignments, delivering a clear ultimatum regarding the 2027 elections:

“Even if he is my friend, that friendship can come to an end if he fails to consider the welfare of our people. If our concerns are ignored, it will be difficult for residents to support his re-election bid.”

The political broadside was delivered shortly before Governor Ayacko’s representative, Chief Officer Nicholas Ngabiya, presented the official Madaraka Day address.

The speech outlined a comprehensive portfolio of capital projects and social programs aimed at demonstrating a county wide transformation.

The chief officer mentioned the key County Capital Projects which are underway which includes the construction of a flagship 10,000 seater public stadium,infrastructure expansion at the Lichota Airstrip,maritime upgrades for the proposed Muhuru Bay International Port,structural planning for the County Aggregation and Industrial Park,Marindi Market modernization and capacity upgrades.

Administration officials and supporters of the governor maintain that these diverse investments prove tangible progress is being made to position Migori County for long-term, sustainable economic growth.
As local political factions draw their battle lines early, the 2027 gubernatorial race in Migori is rapidly shaping up to be a contest between two distinct narratives one of systemic county wide modernization, and another of localized marginalization and unmet expectations.