Robert Alai questions Nyong’o’s track record, calls him overrated
By Mabonga Makhanu, September 23, 2025Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai has dismissed Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o as an overrated county chief, arguing that his leadership has failed to bring meaningful change to the lakeside city.
According to Alai, Nyong’o’s most notable political success remains the removal of former governor Jack Ranguma, with little progress recorded since then. He maintains that the governor has struggled to connect with the poor and has not addressed the social and economic challenges facing Kisumu residents.
Alai further criticised the county’s spending pattern, likening it to Nairobi, where a large portion of funds is consumed by recurrent expenditure at the expense of development. He also downplayed the widespread perception that Kisumu is exceptionally clean, terming it an exaggerated narrative that does not reflect any significant transformation.
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“If there is one governor who is overrated in Kenya, that’s Governor Nyong’o. Apart from removing Mt Ranguma, he hasn’t done any meaningful work in Kisumu.”
“He can’t relate to the poor and address the issues afflicting them, and Kisumu County still spends little on development, just like Nairobi. Visitors to Kisumu say the city is clean. Please tell me when Kisumu was ever dirty. Tell me,“ Alai stated.
Support for broad-based government
Nyong’o has thrown his weight behind President William Ruto’s leadership and inclusive administration, citing visible development gains and growing national cohesion.
Governor Nyong’o, who initially was hesitant in joining the broad-based government, with him stating that President Ruto can’t manage the country, praised the president’s commitment to transformative development, noting that Kisumu County, alongside other regions, has benefited significantly from ongoing national government projects.
“Our appreciation extends further to President Ruto for the broad portfolio of development projects his administration has initiated in Kisumu County, many of which are progressing steadily toward completion,” he said.
The county chief also commended the president for his efforts to unite the country, specifically his decision to reach out to opposition leader Raila Odinga. Nyong’o stated that the broad-based government formed after the two leaders joined forces is beneficial for national development and cohesion.