Alego Usonga MP Samuel Onunga Atandi has issued a fierce rebuttal to claims circulating online that Uwasi Primary School in Usonga Ward is in a “pathetic” and dilapidated state, dismissing the allegations as a politically motivated hoax and urging the public to separate fact from propaganda.
The controversy erupted after photos widely shared on social media purported to show crumbling classrooms at Uwasi Primary School, triggering public outrage and renewed scrutiny over the state of education infrastructure in the constituency. But the MP insists the images are false, misleading and not taken at Uwasi Primary School—or anywhere in Alego Usonga Constituency.
“STOP THE LIES. LET FACTS SPEAK,” Atandi said in a strongly worded statement, accusing unnamed individuals of spreading deliberate misinformation driven by malice and political mischief.
Are the Photos an Accurate Reflection of Uwasi Primary School?
At the heart of the debate is a fundamental question: Do the images circulating online truly represent Uwasi Primary School?
Supporters of the MP argue that the pictures do not match the reality on the ground, noting that Uwasi Primary School although an old rural school currently does not have even a single rusted mabati classroom, contrary to the impression created online. They further discredit all the photos depicting parts of the school as dilapidated, including the lower primary classes as false and malicious.
Critics, however, say the controversy highlights a broader trust deficit between leaders and the public, where social media narratives often fill gaps left by slow or poorly communicated responses from leaders.
Development Record vs Political Preoccupation?
The row has also reignited a long-running political debate in Alego Usonga: Has MP Atandi spent an inordinate amount of time locked in political battles—particularly with the county leadership—at the expense of service delivery?
Some residents and political commentators argue that the MP’s frequent and public attacks on the governor have distracted from bread-and-butter issues such as education, health and roads. Others counter that robust political oversight is part of Atandi’s mandate and does not negate ongoing development work in the constituency.
Atandi: Education Is Non-Negotiable
In his response, Atandi was unequivocal that education remains central to his leadership agenda, backing his claims with specific projects implemented through the Alego Usonga NG-CDF.
According to the MP, Uwasi Primary School has benefited from recent interventions, including:
Fencing of the school compound
Installation of a secure gate to enhance safety and create a more conducive learning environment
“These are verifiable facts on the ground,” Atandi said, adding that development work in the constituency is ongoing and uninterrupted.
“Development continues. Service to the people continues. Alego Usonga is moving forward. Ignore lies. Focus on progress.”
A Call for Facts—and Accountability
As the dust settles, the Uwasi Primary School saga underscores the growing influence of social media in shaping public opinion—and the equal need for fact-checking, transparency and accountability from both leaders and critics.
For residents of Alego Usonga, the real test will not be online exchanges, but whether classrooms are safe, children are learning in dignity, and elected leaders—MP and governor alike—can rise above political skirmishes to deliver tangible results.
In the end, the truth, as Atandi insists, should speak for itself—but so should sustained service delivery.
Editor’s Note: As we publish this article in the right-of-reply ethos our journalists will update us tomorrow with actual photos taken on the ground from Uwasi Primary School in Usonga Ward
