Busia County’s leadership, under Governor Paul Otwoma, is facing growing public outrage over governance failures, stalled development projects, and questionable financial practices. Allegations of unchecked influence and mismanagement have fuelled widespread discontent among residents, raising serious concerns about the county’s future under the current administration.
Concerns have emerged over how Busia County’s multi-billion-shilling annual budget is being utilised. Despite substantial revenue generated from local collections and national treasury remittances, residents say they have seen little improvement in infrastructure, healthcare, or key development projects. Financial transparency remains elusive, with county officials offering limited accountability for public funds.
Multiple sources suggest that procurement processes in the county lack transparency, with lucrative contracts awarded to a select few under questionable circumstances. Meanwhile, several county workers have expressed frustration over delayed salaries, raising concerns that funds intended for essential services may have been misappropriated.
The county assembly has increasingly become a battleground, with heightened tensions among elected leaders. Reports suggest that internal divisions have led to a legislative deadlock, with oversight functions significantly compromised. Some county officials appear to wield disproportionate influence over decision-making processes, sidelining professional advice from technical officers.
Tensions recently reached a boiling point when a physical altercation erupted in the Busia County Assembly. The fight broke out between members of the Labour Committee, tasked with investigating employment irregularities, and MCAs loyal to the governor, who sought to suppress the probe. Insider sources reveal that Otuoma’s inner circle, led by Funyula constituency’s Ageng’a Ward MCA Camulus Magaba, allegedly distributes between Kshs 250,000 and 400,000 weekly to bribe colleagues into supporting the governor’s agenda in their respective wards.
“This has been happening since early last year, and it is escalating to alarming levels as we approach the 2027 General Election,” said Mary (not her real name), a senior staff member at the County Assembly headquarters. She warned that development projects have stalled as a result, with taxpayers bearing the brunt of unchecked corruption.
Mary further stated that County Executive Committee (CEC) members have been reduced to mere rubber stamps, as their professional advice is routinely ignored. Instead, Governor Otuoma relies heavily on Magaba’s team, which holds the final say in county affairs.
Residents and civil society groups have raised concerns over a perceived culture of exclusivity in county appointments. This trend has fuelled fears that governance decisions are being driven more by political affiliations than by merit, undermining public confidence in the administration’s ability to serve all constituents equitably.
Key county development initiatives have either stalled or failed to take off entirely. Plans to revitalise cotton farming, improve water supply systems, expand market infrastructure, and upgrade road networks have been met with persistent delays. Health facilities in the county remain underfunded, with reports of understaffing and inadequate medical supplies.
Additionally, the much-needed sewerage and treatment works for Busia town have yet to materialise, raising health and sanitation concerns among residents. Critics argue that the county’s failure to implement these projects has left citizens bearing the brunt of poor service delivery and deteriorating living conditions.
As the county heads towards the next general election, frustration among Busia residents continues to mount. Many feel disillusioned by a leadership that, despite making ambitious pledges, has failed to deliver meaningful change. Calls for greater financial accountability, a crackdown on inefficiencies, and urgent action on stalled projects are growing louder.
While county officials maintain that efforts are underway to address governance challenges, public sentiment suggests that patience is wearing thin. The people of Busia are demanding leadership that prioritises service delivery, fosters transparency, and restores confidence in county governance. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the current administration can regain public trust or whether change will become an inevitable demand at the ballot box.
Continues tomorrow…
