Kisii County’s South Mugirango parliamentary aspirant Denis Sonko on Monday launched a scathing attack on area MP Sylvanus Osoro, accusing him of failing to deliver meaningful development to the electorate.
Sonko stated that South Mugirango continues to lag in key development indicators, despite Osoro’s prominence in national politics.
Many of the ordinary residents in the vast constituency, the hopeful said, still grapple with poor infrastructure and limited access to education support.
“For years, the people of South Mugirango have listened to promises, but the reality on the ground tells a different story,” Mr Sonko said.
The politician who has unsuccessfully challenged Osoro twice promised what appears as a political armageddon as he prepares to wrestle the seat from him.
“Leadership be measured by impact, and many families here are still struggling to access basic opportunities. Distribution of bursaries is skewed raising fears among poor parents and even the orphans,” Sonko stated.
He said Osoro was often chasing misplaced priorities at the expense of an electorate that is longing development.
Osoro is the current Parliamentary Chief Whip.
Sonko accused him of spending too much of his time on national political engagements that bring little value to the locals.
Several roads in many parts of the constituency , he said, continues to remain in poor condition despite Osoro’s closeness with President William Ruto.
“Just visit the ground, away from rhetoric, there is nothing going on, it is pathetic ,” he told journalists at a press conference at a Kisii hotel.
The aspirant is positioning himself as a reform-minded candidate ahead of the next general election
He said his campaign would centre on inclusive development, youth and women empowerment, and transparency in the management of public resources.
He also pledged to strengthen oversight of constituency funds to ensure equitable distribution across wards.
“Our youths need skills, jobs and access to capital, not speeches. Development must be felt in villages, not discussed only in Nairobi,” he added.
Separately, he censured leaders from Gusii among them MP Osoro for failing to rally behind former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i’s bid for the presidency, a move he says undermines regional unity and national influence.
The hopeful further said the Gusii community has a rare opportunity to support one of their own for the country’s top seat but was being let down by internal divisions and a lack of political will among some elected leaders.
“Dr Matiang’i has served this country with distinction, integrity and firmness. It is disappointing that some Gusii leaders are either silent or openly hesitant to support his presidential ambitions,” said Sonko.
He argued that the region has historically complained about marginalization at the national level, yet appears unwilling to seize moments that could strengthen its bargaining power.
“Leadership is about courage and vision. When the moment comes, leaders must stand with their people. Failure to do so sends a message of disunity and fear,” he added.
MP Osoro in a rejoinder dismissed the criticism as early campaign rhetoric, saying the he has played a key role in championing development projects in the area.
He pointed to ongoing initiatives in education, roads and social support programmes
“I have consistently represented the interests of South Mugirango at the national level and nothing is going to stop that ,” he said in a text.
He also urged residents to evaluate leaders based on documented achievements rather than political statements.
He did not respond to claims of not backing Matiangi for presidency.
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