Kasipul Constituency MP aspirant Philip Aroko has criticised Homa Bay County leadership over what he describes as a missed chance to secure lasting benefits for young people during President William Ruto’s recent visit to the county.

In a statement shared on Facebook on Monday, December 29, 2025, Aroko reflected on the President’s attendance at the Genowa Cup finals, an event organised by Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga, saying the visit should have gone beyond celebration to deliver concrete commitments for youth development.

“Yesterday, Homabay County was once again honoured to host H.E. the President of the Republic of Kenya during the Genowa Cup finals organised by the Governor. We sincerely appreciate the respect and attention the President continues to give our County,” he wrote

While acknowledging the significance of the President’s presence, Aroko argued that access to the highest office in the land carries responsibility. He said residents expect their leaders to use such platforms to push for projects that address unemployment, nurture talent, and create long-term opportunities, especially for the youth who form the majority of the county’s population.

“However, it is painful that while Homabay enjoys access to the highest office in the land, our local leadership fails to convert that privilege into tangible benefits for our people,” he wrote

Aroko noted that the county has already benefited from national support in the past, including infrastructure that made it possible to host major events. However, he insisted that appreciation should not replace advocacy, especially in a region known for producing talented young people in sports and other creative fields.

“Yes, the President has done a lot for Homabay, including the stadium that hosted the finals. But that should never stop our leaders from demanding more: youth empowerment, sports infrastructure, talent academies and sustainable opportunities,” he wrote

He went on to fault the tone and focus of the event, saying it leaned more towards entertainment than serious engagement with national leadership. According to Aroko, this approach risks reducing youth issues to seasonal moments rather than sustained programmes that can change lives.

“Sadly, instead of using that presidential platform to push for concrete pledges, the Governor once again prioritised Ohangla entertainment over serious engagement. Our youth talents are wasting away in villages, only remembered during seasonal tournaments and politics,” he stated

Drawing a comparison with neighbouring Kisii County, Aroko pointed to what he described as a more deliberate and results-driven approach by local leaders elsewhere. He argued that leadership should be measured by outcomes secured for the people, not the size of events hosted.

“Contrast this with Kisii, where Hon. Silvanus Osoro strategically engaged the President and secured a pledge for Etago Stadium. That is what focused, aggressive and people-centred leadership looks like,” he stated

He concluded his statement with a direct challenge to Homa Bay’s leadership, questioning how a county rich in football talent could miss such an opportunity, and reminding leaders that public office comes with expectations of delivery.

“How do you invite the President to Homabay, a county full of football talent and fail to present even one transformative request that could change the lives of our suffering youths? Leadership is not about hosting events. Leadership is about outcomes,” the statement reads