Change or Perish – Kisumu Senatorial Aspirant Fred Odumo Tells Small-scale Traders

The incoming Kisumu Senator challenged members of the informal transport sector to change negative perceptions of the industry by exercising diligence and honesty in their customer relationships.

Odumo was coming from Kaboyi slums within Ahero Town where he held a public Baraza with the residents and promised to build public toilets, install security lights and construct water taps for the over 4000 residents.

Unlike many politicians who make pledges merely for the sake of public relations, Wakili Fred Odumo is known to follow through with each and every one of the promises he makes.

“After all,” he said while addressing the Baraza, “I grew up in these slums and I know the challenges you people face in order to access clean toilets and even drinking water. Whatever I do I’ll be doing it in memory of my difficult childhood. I hope it will serve to inspire some youngsters that if I could rise up from Kaboyi slums and make something of my life, then anyone with determination can do it.”

Fred Odumo Nying’uro (second left foreground) is a former resident and was yesterday conducted through the Kaboyi slums for a tour to reconnect with his past. Photo | Linda Kadz

Odumo could recall the deplorable security at night marked by muggings and housebreaking.

He urged the majority small-scale trades who reside in the slums to strive for change as the world was full of opportunity for anyone determined to make anything of themselves. Ironically some of his listeners were previous neighbours who could recall the urchin whose mother sold “uji and nyoyo” in the neighborhood.

The aim of the meeting was to gear up for developing sustainable solutions to many challenges affecting the residents of Ahero and it’s environ’s.

Odumo made a solemn promise that as the Senator of Kisumu County he will keep out a listening ear and hold regular Barazas to get the input of residents at grassroots level.