Bondo Member of Parliament Gideon Ochanda has warned that civil society organisations that have been conducting nuclear power awareness campaigns in Siaya County that they risk derailing the planned establishment of the power plant in the region.

Dr Ochanda observed that the approach employed by the civil society organisations has only created resentment against the project and panic among the residents of Central Sawka ward, where the proposed project is set to be established.

Last week, members of a civil society groups who wore T-shirts branded “Tunataka nuclear” (we want nuclear energy) were roughed up by residents at Nango Market and forced to flee after the residents threatened to set ablaze their vehicles.

Addressing the press in Bondo town, Ochanda said the civil society organisations campaigns appear to be forcing the residents to accept the project without questioning it instead of promoting public engagements and addressing their concerns.

The legislator distanced himself from such organisations, saying the only mandated institutions to undertake nuclear sensitization campaigns are KenGen and NuPea coordinated by the area DCC and the MPs office.

“I have learnt about organisations who have been moving in trucks in central Sawka doing campaigns for nuclear power. They do not have my blessings. They are causing animosity through their roadshows instead of helping promote acceptance of the project,” he claimed.

He revealed that nuclear energy campaigns conducted by the mandated institutions are set for next week where the residents will be educated and given opportunity to ask questions on the proposed multibillion project.

Ochanda stated that the current animosity against the project is attributed to inaccurate information about nuclear energy amongst the public.

“Inaccurate information about the nuclear project spread very fast especially because stakeholders, including politicians and local leaders, have no information about the technology. We will be having experts around to demystify the technology and to give the accurate decision to enable the locals make informed choices,” Ochanda said.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Brian Ondeng