KAPTAMA, MT ELGON — Kaptama Ward MCA aspirant and UDA politician Elly Cherenje has criticized Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka over the recent launch of the High Altitude Training Centre in Kaptama, terming the facility incomplete and unfit for use by athletes.
Speaking during Fred Butaki’s harambee in Bondeni, Kongit, Kaptama Ward on Sunday, Cherenje accused the county government of rushing to commission a project that lacks essential facilities and equipment.
According to Cherenje, the centre does not have adequate training equipment, while hostels meant to accommodate athletes are yet to be completed.
“You cannot launch a training centre that cannot host a single runner,” he told residents during the fundraiser.
The youthful politician also questioned the absence of Bungoma Deputy Governor Jennifer Mbatiany and Kaptama MCA Francis Chemion during the launch event, suggesting that their absence raised concerns about the readiness of the project.
“If the project was ready, why did our own leaders skip it?” he posed.
Cherenje further accused Governor Lusaka of undermining the people of Kaptama through what he described as “public relations launches” instead of delivering fully functional development projects.
“Kaptama residents deserve respect, not PR launches. Governor Lusaka should stop taking us for granted,” he said.
The MCA hopeful also took issue with what he termed as misplaced priorities by the county leadership, alleging that the Governor was concentrating more on national politics and campaigns linked to President William Ruto instead of fulfilling development promises made to Bungoma residents in 2022.
“Reminding Mt. Elgon people about a second term for the President is like reminding a son who his father is. We know. What we want is development,” Cherenje stated.
He went on to rate Governor Lusaka’s performance at 30 percent, citing the county’s failure to support and reward athletes following recent races held in Chemoge.
“So far, I can only rate Governor Lusaka at 30 percent. How did he fail to reward our athletes yesterday after the races held in Chemoge? Our runners are suffering while incomplete projects are launched for cameras,” he added.
Cherenje called on the Bungoma County Government to prioritize completion and proper equipping of the High Altitude Training Centre before officially commissioning it for public use.
The High Altitude Training Centre is expected to play a key role in nurturing athletic talent from the Mt. Elgon region, which has produced several promising long-distance runners over the years.
Read Also: Elly Cherenje Unveils People-Centered Agenda Ahead of 2027 Kaptama Ward MCA Race