A section of Teso leaders has dismissed the political alliance between former Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong and Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma, saying it has come too late to influence the outcome of the 2027 Busia gubernatorial race.
The leaders, led by gubernatorial aspirant and Principal Administrative Secretary in the Executive Office of the President Arthur Amug Osiya, made the remarks on Sunday during an impromptu fundraising event for the roofing of the expanded Independent Presbyterian Church at Osajai.
Others present included Angurai North MCA Isaac Wamalwa, Malaba North MCA Patrick Omanyala, UDA Busia County Chairman Maurice Chetambe, former councillor John Emomeri, Malaba Central Ward MCA aspirants Moses Imai and Gerald Okima alias Punda, and Angurai South Ward aspirant Sadrack Ipara.
Osiya claimed that the alliance between Ojaamong and Otuoma would not save the incumbent governor from being a one-term governor.
“We supported Governor Otuoma with the hope that he would surpass Ojaamong’s development record, but that has not happened,” Osiya said.
He likened the alliance to a football match nearing its conclusion.
“Governor Otuoma now believes that with this newfound alliance, he can transform Busia in the last five minutes of a crucial match, hoping Ojaamong will score the winning penalty. That is too late,” he said.
Osiya criticised the county government’s performance over the last three years, alleging that key sectors had stagnated.
“For three years, the county has been dead.
Agriculture is dead, hospitals are struggling, and without agriculture poverty will continue to rise. Without functional hospitals, more lives will be lost,” he said.
He further claimed that residents of Marachi seek treatment in Kakamega while those from Teso travel to Bungoma for medical services.
Calling on residents to prepare for the 2027 General Election, Osiya urged them to acquire national identity cards and voter registration cards.
“This county belongs to all of us. The solution lies in reaching August 2027 and electing a new county government,” he said.
He also appealed to voters to reject handouts and instead support leaders based on their development agenda.
“Do not vote because of KSh5. Vote for leaders based on what they can do for the people,” he said.
Osiya praised President William Ruto’s administration, saying Busia County had benefited from national government projects and should support the President’s re-election bid to enable him to complete ongoing development programmes.
He called for what he described as a “paradigm shift” in the county’s political direction to maximise opportunities under the national government.
Angurai North MCA Isaac Wamalwa accused the county government of neglecting development and questioned how county resources were being utilised.
“Between 2017 and 2022, MCAs were encouraged to initiate development projects using county funds. Today, roads are not being repaired, ECDE teachers have not been employed, and many residents are questioning where county resources are going,” he said.
He further claimed that despite Busia County’s multi-billion-shilling budget, ward development remained inadequate.
Malaba North MCA Patrick Omanyala urged leaders to unite behind Osiya’s gubernatorial bid, arguing that the county required new leadership.
He criticised the timing of recent appointments involving members of the Teso community, saying they came too late.
“Four years after taking office, the governor is now appointing people from the Teso community. That should not be used as a campaign tool,” he said.
Omanyala also emphasised that service delivery in sectors such as education, health and infrastructure should be prioritised.
UDA Busia County Chairman Maurice Chetambe said residents had high expectations when they elected Otuoma in 2022 but claimed those expectations had not been met.
“In 2022 we trusted Otuoma to improve on areas where Ojaamong had fallen short. Unfortunately, many residents believe those expectations have not been realised,” he said.
He urged voters to support Osiya’s gubernatorial bid in 2027.
John Emomeri said Busia County residents are suffering because of poor administration. God has heard Tesos’ problems by bringing Osiya. Your star is shining Osiya.”
Malaba Central Ward MCA aspirant Moses Imai described Osiya as the solution to Busia County’s leadership challenges, while fellow aspirant Gerald Okima, popularly known as Punda, said Osiya was best placed to transform the county.
Angurai South Ward MCA aspirant Sadrack Ipara criticised Ojaamong for endorsing Governor Otuoma despite previously faulting his leadership, describing the move as a betrayal of the electorate.
The leaders maintained that the 2027 election would give Busia residents an opportunity to elect a new county administration based on development and service delivery.
