By Reuben Olita
Principal Administrative Secretary in the Executive Office of the President Arthur Amug Osiya has said he will not resign as instigated by sceptics.
Addressing mourners during the burial service of Mzee Stephen Etiang Charles Emacar,90, at Kaeset Primary School on Saturday, Osia said he is the engine of the government to warrant him to quit his current job.
“I will only step aside when the 2027 gubernatorial contest approaches. Nothing can deter me from seeking the mandate of county residents to vie for the gubernatorial position,” he said.
The PAS brushed off suggestions by his opponent for the gubernatorial race Eng. Vincent Sidai for them to sit and agree on a compromise candidate to face the incumbent Dr Paul Otuoma.
” I have toured 31 out of 35 wards to consult residents on their needs, adding that he has also held meetings with professionals across the county who have endorsed his bid,” he noted.
The PAS decried the condition of hospitals in the county, decribing it as “pathetic,” while infrastructure in ECDE centres is unbearable.
” Members of the County Assembly are living deplorable lives with no salaries for 2 to 3 months. In Busia, it appears devolution was postponed.Indiscipline in the county is also too much,” he said.
It’s regrettable that statutory deductions for hospital workers have not been remitted. This is a sad state of affairs, he said.
“There is no county called Teso. What is critical is service delivery to the people of Busia,” Osiya told his opponent for the gubernatorial contest, Engineer Vincent Sidai.
Eng Sidai said he visited Emacar before his death to seek his blessings, exuding confidence that he will be the 3rd governor of Busia County.
Sidai dismissed assertions by CECM for Culture and Sports Olunga Ekwenye, who is still harbouring hopes of Otuoma victory in 2027.
On why he didn’t stand in 2017 elections, Sidai said Otuoma would have won if he had stood together with Ojaamong and Otuoma.
Former Busia Governor H.E Sospeter Ojaamong praised the late Emacar for being instrumental in the creation of Teso North and Teso South Constituencies, adding that Emacar was also credited for the construction of the Town Hall during his tenure as councillor.
Omacar was elected Councillor for Kakapel Ward in 1997 and for the combined Kakapel, Aboloi, and Katakwa Ward.
In 2004, he was elected chairman Teso County Council. Besides that, he was privileged to serve as chairman of Teso County of elders for a while before retiring out of politics.
Former Busia Woman Representative Florence Mutua told Busia CEC for Culture and Sports Olung’a Ekwenye to stop marketing Governor Paul Otuoma for another term but instead “return home” waiting for a lucrative position instead of the current mediocre position as Sports CEC.
Stephen Emacar was the father of Bungoma CEC Member for Gender, Youth, Culture and Sports Ben Emacar, chemistry national chief examiner Deliciah Amai, Caroline Emacar ( Play right), and Donald Emacar (National referee).
He is survived by 19 children and 60 grandchildren. Mzee Emacar was diagnosed with medical problems of
Umbilical cod hernia, and with prostate enlargement.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya sent a condolence message to the bereaved family that was delivered by MCA Eric Wafula.
Five Catholic priests attended the high l-profile burial service that was marked by heavy rains. Fr Francis Kamau from Eldoret, who delivered the service.
Fr Kamau said some men were suffering in silence from torturers’ wives urging them to use this year’s World Women’s Day on the second Sunday of May to stop the “silent” torture against men.
