Lack of unity among elected leaders in West Pokot County has been cited as a reason why the region has continued to lag behind in terms of development over the years.

Area leaders, elected in different political parties, are said to have been differing on virtually every issue of public interest, with some saying the state of affairs is giving Governor Simon Kachapin a hard time.

Some of the leaders interviewed by People Daily called for unity of purpose among themselves for the sake of development in the vast county.

Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong yesterday stressed the importance of promoting unity among the elected representatives to ensure development and equality in the county, irrespective of political affiliations or voting preferences.

According to Lochakapong, all leaders should prioritise West Pokot interests and put behind personal interests to promote unity in the county.

He urged all leaders in West Pokot led by Kachapin to unite to bring in more development in the county.

Lochakapong, who was elected on the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, urged leaders to work together to ensure they attain the development agenda and shun divisive politics that can derail development.

Political differences

He asked area leaders to forget their political differences and work together as a team for development to be realised.

“It is time we shift our focus to serving locals and as leaders we should team up and work closely despite being elected through different political parties,” said Lochakapong.

An analysis of the 2022 election in West Pokot County indicates that former Governor John Lonyangapuo’s party Kenya Union Party (KUP) shared the spoils with UDA.

Kachapin was elected on a UDA ticket so as MPs Lochakapong, Samuel Moroto (Kapenguria) and Senator Julius Murgor. MPs elected on a KUP ticket include David Pkosing (Pokot South), Titus Lotee (Kacheliba) and Rael Kasiwai (County MP).

Lochakapong stressed the need to resolve issues affecting locals key among them insecurity, water and poor infrastructure among others. He said that locals should not be served on the basis of whom they voted for in the last general election.

“We should, as leaders,work together for the benefit of our people and this is the only way to develop our region. I’m ready to work with every leader to push forward our development agenda,” said the MP.

Kachapin also called on leaders to prioritise unity over divisive politics, emphasizing that peace is paramount in serving area residents.

He appealed to the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to serve residents and rally behind the County Executive in order to realise meaningful development in the region. He said that upon his election as governor in 2022, he made a solemn promise to prioritize development over politics.

Kachapin vowed to unite leaders from all political backgrounds in the county, fostering a spirit of collaboration aimed at promoting communal interests instead of engaging in unnecessary political competition.

The governor vowed to unite leaders from all political backgrounds, fostering a spirit of collaboration aimed at promoting community interests and driving meaningful development for everyone.

He pointed out that disunity among leaders will inevitably cause harm to both them and the citizens they serve.

“It is only through collaboration that we can honour the legacy of our forefathers and build a stronger future,” Kachapin said.