Youths in Kisumu City wants Devolution Secretary Ann Waiguru to explain why she disqualified all applicants and ordered return of Uwezo Funds cheques – the Sh. 6 billion elections rerun money – that was allocated the youths of the county.
This comes after the botched visit of President Uhuru Kenyatta in the region which has been steeped in political bickering, historical eventualities  and bureaucratic conspiracies. Many residents were unhappy with the timing, which coincides with the 1969 Kisumu Massacre when Uhuru’s father, Jomo Kenyatta, unleashed terror on locals opposed to his ruling by fiat.
“The funds should not disbursed at the convenience of any party,” protested a resident of the region.
Another concurred, “the idea was for President Uhuru to  issue them. My concern is why the Ministry of Devolution and Planning would recall them. Development should not have to wait for a presidential visit. Dummy cheques were to be presented anyway,” said Nereah Oketch.
It is now emerging that the cheques were meant for the President’s PR gimmicks, and, without him visiting, the money has been returned to Nairobi awaiting his visit – which has been postponed indefinitely.
Local leaders are at pains to explain to residents why the cheques were returned to Nairobi, and why the President isn’t visiting.