Former Suba South Member of Parliament John Mbadi has shifted blame for the poor state of roads in the constituency to his successor, Caroli Omondi, sparking a fresh debate over political accountability and development in the area.
Mbadi, who represented the region for about 15 years before leaving Parliament, has questioned the responsibility of the current MP over the condition of roads in Suba South.
His remarks have attracted attention because of his long tenure as the area's elected representative and his previous involvement in lobbying for major infrastructure projects.
The dispute comes against the backdrop of growing concerns among residents over roads that remain in poor condition, despite repeated government promises to improve transport infrastructure.
Bad roads have affected the movement of people and goods, particularly in rural areas where residents depend heavily on road networks to access markets, schools, health facilities and other essential services.
Mbadi served as a legislator representing the area for many years before Omondi took over after the 2022 General Election. During his time in Parliament, Mbadi frequently advocated for development projects in the wider Suba region, including major road improvements.
His decision to blame his successor has therefore raised questions about the extent to which previous and current leaders should be held responsible for infrastructure challenges.
Omondi, who succeeded Mbadi, has also been vocal about the state of roads in the constituency. He has previously criticised the handling of road projects in the region, including the Mbita-Sindo-Sori road, an important transport route linking communities and facilitating the movement of goods.
The road has been at the centre of political disagreements, with questions raised over the progress of construction and the government's commitment to completing the project.
For residents, however, the political differences between the two leaders are secondary to the condition of the roads.
Many communities continue to rely on roads that become difficult to use during rainy seasons, increasing travel times and transport costs.
The poor road network has also raised concerns among traders and farmers who depend on reliable transport to move their products to markets.
Fishermen and other businesses in the lakeside region similarly require dependable roads to transport goods and connect with commercial centres.
The controversy has consequently highlighted a broader question about the role of MPs in development. While MPs can lobby government ministries and agencies for projects and raise issues affecting their constituencies, the implementation of major national road projects largely falls under government agencies responsible for roads and infrastructure.
Mbadi's current position as Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury gives the issue another dimension. As a senior government official responsible for overseeing national finances, he is now in a position to influence budgetary priorities and funding for development projects across the country.
The disagreement between the former and current MP therefore reflects the increasingly political nature of development projects in constituencies.
Leaders often receive praise when projects are completed and face criticism when projects stall, making it difficult for residents to determine where responsibility lies.
For Suba South residents, the priority remains straightforward: they want roads that are passable, safe and properly maintained.
Rather than engaging in a blame game, residents expect political leaders to work together with national government agencies to ensure that stalled projects are completed and existing roads receive regular maintenance.
Mbadi's comments have reopened discussion about his own record during his long tenure as MP, while Omondi's performance is now being measured against the promises he made when seeking election.
Ultimately, the condition of Suba South's roads will provide the clearest measure of whether political promises are being translated into meaningful development.
As the debate continues, residents are likely to judge both leaders not by their accusations against each other, but by the tangible improvements they can deliver to the constituency.
Former Suba South Member of Parliament John Mbadi has shifted blame for the poor state of roads in the constituency to his successor, Caroli Omondi, sparking a fresh debate over political accountability and development in the area.
Mbadi, who represented the region for about 15 years before leaving Parliament, has questioned the responsibility of the current MP over the condition of roads in Suba South.
His remarks have attracted attention because of his long tenure as the area's elected representative and his previous involvement in lobbying for major infrastructure projects.
The dispute comes against the backdrop of growing concerns among residents over roads that remain in poor condition, despite repeated government promises to improve transport infrastructure.
Bad roads have affected the movement of people and goods, particularly in rural areas where residents depend heavily on road networks to access markets, schools, health facilities and other essential services.
Mbadi served as a legislator representing the area for many years before Omondi took over after the 2022 General Election. During his time in Parliament, Mbadi frequently advocated for development projects in the wider Suba region, including major road improvements.
His decision to blame his successor has therefore raised questions about the extent to which previous and current leaders should be held responsible for infrastructure challenges.
Omondi, who succeeded Mbadi, has also been vocal about the state of roads in the constituency. He has previously criticised the handling of road projects in the region, including the Mbita-Sindo-Sori road, an important transport route linking communities and facilitating the movement of goods.
The road has been at the centre of political disagreements, with questions raised over the progress of construction and the government's commitment to completing the project.
For residents, however, the political differences between the two leaders are secondary to the condition of the roads. Many communities continue to rely on roads that become difficult to use during rainy seasons, increasing travel times and transport costs.
The poor road network has also raised concerns among traders and farmers who depend on reliable transport to move their products to markets. Fishermen and other businesses in the lakeside region similarly require dependable roads to transport goods and connect with commercial centres.
The controversy has consequently highlighted a broader question about the role of MPs in development. While MPs can lobby government ministries and agencies for projects and raise issues affecting their constituencies, the implementation of major national road projects largely falls under government agencies responsible for roads and infrastructure.
Mbadi's current position as Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury gives the issue another dimension.
As a senior government official responsible for overseeing national finances, he is now in a position to influence budgetary priorities and funding for development projects across the country.
The disagreement between the former and current MP therefore reflects the increasingly political nature of development projects in constituencies.
Leaders often receive praise when projects are completed and face criticism when projects stall, making it difficult for residents to determine where responsibility lies.
For Suba South residents, the priority remains straightforward: they want roads that are passable, safe and properly maintained.
Rather than engaging in a blame game, residents expect political leaders to work together with national government agencies to ensure that stalled projects are completed and existing roads receive regular maintenance.
Mbadi's comments have reopened discussion about his own record during his long tenure as MP, while Omondi's performance is now being measured against the promises he made when seeking election.
Ultimately, the condition of Suba South's roads will provide the clearest measure of whether political promises are being translated into meaningful development.
As the debate continues, residents are likely to judge both leaders not by their accusations against each other, but by the tangible improvements they can deliver to the constituency.