Mandera South MP calls for depoliticisation of Gode Secondary School project
Mandera South MP Haro Abdul Ebrahim is reading politics in the objection by a section of his constituents to the development of Gode Secondary School in Kotulo.
Speaking to The Eastleigh Voice, following a lawsuit filed against the Gode's construction over a lack of public participation, Haro said the proposed school is a public entity beneficial to the community and should not be politicised.
Haro accused opponents of politicising the issue as the election period approaches, urging residents to stop using development initiatives for political gain.
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"I read politics in all these because we are approaching elections. I urge everyone to desist from playing politics using development initiatives meant to benefit residents," said Haro.
He insisted community members were involved before construction began, saying, "It is not possible to construct a school without involving members of the community because it is their children who shall be learning in the school."
The lawsuit, brought by 30 Kotulo Division residents led by Abdia Abdula Hassan, challenges the building of the new school just metres from the existing Borehole Eleven Secondary School, which they say is in need of repairs.
Filed by lawyer Pauline Kiteng'e under a certificate of urgency, the petition seeks to halt the school's construction immediately, accusing the MP and the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) Board of bypassing public consultation as required by the Constitution.
"The MP has secretly engaged contractors without any input from the community. This is a direct violation of their constitutional rights," said Kiteng'e.
The petitioners claim the MP secretly engaged contractors and diverted funds to build a new school rather than upgrading the existing dilapidated Borehole Eleven Secondary School, which lacks basic amenities.
They alleged that the discrimination and inequity in resource allocation risk causing unrest in the community.
"The second respondent continues to violate the rights of constituents. His actions are pushing the community to the brink of unrest," said Kiteng'e in the filed documents.
In his ruling, Justice Lawrence Mugambi noted that the case raised 'weighty constitutional issues' and ordered it transferred to the Garissa High Court for substantive hearing and determination.
"This petition raises significant issues that merit a full hearing. The matter is hereby directed to the Garissa High Court for appropriate determination," Justice Mugambi ruled.
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