Governors from the Nyanza Region have distanced themselves from the planned Nyanza International Investment Conference.
The leaders in a statement on Friday decried exclusion from the planning of the conference by the event organizers.
The conference is scheduled to take place from June 28 and 29 in Kisumu.
The statement has been signed by Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Ngong’o, James Orengo of Siaya, Ochilo Ayacko of Migori, Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay, Simba Arati of Kisii and Nyamira’s Amos Nyaribo.
“To be clear, we have not received any formal briefings or invitations from the organizers, yet they are portraying us as participants,” the statement reads.
“Learning about the conference through media publications, featuring our images, without our consent, is unacceptable,” they said.
The county bosses expressed their discontent with the organization of the summit.
They have instead called for transparency in communication and inclusion in the planning of the event.
They further want the organizers to issue an apology for using their images to promote the event without their approval.
The governors have further warned against any attempts to undermine devolution through such acts.
They reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the economic interests of Nyanza and called on potential participants and partners to seek clarification directly from them.
“We reaffirm our commitment to advancing the economic interests of Nyanza and look forward to constructive engagements with all stakeholders in a manner that respects our roles and responsibilities,” they said.
The Nyanza International Investment Conference seeks to foster development across the six counties in the region by attracting both local and international investors.
It is being organised under the theme, “Nyanza Rising: Towards Economic Transformation for Socio-Economic Growth and Development.”
