Busia Governor Paul Otuoma has faced intense backlash from county residents after it emerged that millions of shillings were spent on tarmacking a mere three-kilometer road from Bukiri shopping centre to his home village in Samia South. Many are questioning the rationale behind prioritizing this road while other areas in the county face more pressing infrastructural needs.
Further fueling the controversy, Otuoma has been accused of nepotism in his administration, particularly in the recruitment of senior officers. Most of the appointees hail from his home area of Samia South, raising concerns of favoritism. His brother, Victor Otuoma, now serves as the county’s Director of Sports. Other senior officials from Samia South include Meshack Tumaini (Director of Youth), Maximillar Ayecko (Director of Audit), Nelson Opapa (Director of Drugs Control), and Daniel Wahaya (Director of Culture). Additionally, Silas Wanyama, who serves as the Deputy Director of Audit, also comes from the governor’s home region.
From Samia North, Otuoma appointed Evans Wangata as Director of Budget and Bernard Mulumia as Assistant Director of Enforcement. Both individuals are reportedly related to the governor, further intensifying allegations of nepotism.
Busia County is composed of seven sub-counties: Matayos, Butula, Nambale, Samia, Bunyala, Samia North, and Samia South. Critics argue that the governor’s appointments have disproportionately favored the Samia region, particularly Samia South, at the expense of other sub-counties.
This is not the first time such accusations have surfaced in Busia. Otuoma’s predecessor, Sospeter Ojaamong, also faced similar allegations of skewed appointments. In response to these accusations, elders urged Ojaamong to ensure equitable representation in his administration. It was noted that while Cabinet appointments are made by the governor, other senior positions are filled by the County Public Service Board. Nevertheless, governors across Kenya have often been accused of using their influence to favor their kinsmen and allies in key appointments.
The issue of nepotism and favoritism in county appointments is a recurring problem. For instance, Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza faced impeachment on similar grounds. According to Section 17 of the Public Officer Ethics Act, public officers are prohibited from practicing nepotism or favoritism, yet this law is frequently flouted in the political sphere.
