Two elected Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leaders have clashed over the state of Suneka airstrip in Bonchari constituency, Kisii County, fueling a conflict.

Senator Richard Onyonka and governor Simba Arati differed after the former accused the latter and other leaders of failing to fight for the elevation of the airstrip to an airport.

The Senator said when some Gusii leaders met President William Ruto at Kakamega State Lodge; it is only him who raised the matter with the president.

“The area Ward Representative, John Ombati and the governor were present. The area lawmaker, Charles Onchoke had travelled abroad,” Onyonka told mourners during the funeral of former area MP Zebedeo Opore at Nyamiobo Primary School grounds.

Ombati and former MP Pavel Oimeke had accused the leaders of failing to fight for the airstrip to be expanded.

The MCA noted it was wrong for residents to travel to Homabay airstrip and Kisumu airport to fly out when Suneka airstrip could be expanded to open up Kisii and Nyamira counties.

“The airstrip was constructed during colonial time. We want it expanded for bigger planes to land on it” Ombati said.

Former legislators Stephen Manoti (Bobasi) and Omingo Magara (South Mugirango) who were elected with Opore through Ford People Party in 2002 challenged the leaders to unite and fight for expansion of the airstrip.

Echoing their sentiments, Nominated Senator, Essy Okenyuri implored leaders to unite to foster the Gusii community’s bargaining power in subsequent governments.

She lauded Opore for supporting and mentoring young leaders in politics and urged others to emulate him.

The governor said the airstrip was under the national government and Members of Parliament were duty-bound to decide it’s fate.

Arati, who is ODM Deputy Party Leader said the airstrip has a small runway for bigger airports to land, adding he had  appealed to the government renovate it to continue serving residents as an airstrip.