Busia Governor Paul Otuoma is under fire from county residents following revelations that millions of shillings were allocated to tarmack a three-kilometer road stretching from Bukiri shopping center to his home village in Samia South.
Many are questioning why this project was prioritized over other areas in the county that face more critical infrastructure issues.
Adding to the discontent, Otuoma has been accused of nepotism in his administration, especially in the hiring of senior officials.
A significant number of these appointees come from his home region of Samia South, raising concerns over possible favoritism.
Among these appointments, his brother, Victor Otuoma, now serves as the 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, the Deputy Director of Audit, also hails from the governor’s home area.
From Samia North, Otuoma appointed Evans Wangata as Director of Budget and Bernard Mulumia as Assistant Director of Enforcement.
Both are reportedly related to the governor, further fueling nepotism allegations.
Busia County consists of seven sub-counties: Matayos, Butula, Nambale, Samia, Bunyala, Samia North, and Samia South.
Critics argue that Otuoma’s appointments have disproportionately favored the Samia region, particularly Samia South, to the detriment of other sub-counties.
Such allegations are not new to Busia. Otuoma’s predecessor, Sospeter Ojaamong, also faced accusations of biased appointments.
In response, community elders urged Ojaamong to promote equal representation in his administration.
While the governor appoints Cabinet members, other senior roles are filled by the County Public Service Board.
Governors across Kenya are often accused of using their influence to place allies and kin in key positions.
The problem of nepotism and favoritism in county appointments is recurrent.
For instance, Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza faced impeachment over similar accusations.
According to Section 17 of the Public Officer Ethics Act, public officers are barred from practicing nepotism or favoritism, yet such laws are frequently overlooked in the political arena.
