By Reuben Olita
Busia gubernatorial aspirant Arthur Osiya has claimed that incumbent Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma may not defend his seat in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Friday during the burial service of Selina Iparasi Etyang at Kekalet Comprehensive School, Osiya alleged that sources close to the governor suggest he might not appear on the ballot.
“Reports from people close to him indicate he may not contest. I urge Paul Ekwenye (Olunga) to advise the governor to stay in the race until the end,” Osiya said.
The late Selina, 45, succumbed to breast cancer and was an ECDE teacher at Kaeset Comprehensive School. She was married to retired Kakapel Location Senior Chief Vincent Etyang.
Osiya further revealed that Teso leaders are planning a visit to State House, Nairobi, to meet President William Ruto, in a bid to strengthen their political alignment with the national government.
“We are working closely with Teso North MP Oku Kaunya to ensure our region is fully represented in government. We must speak in one voice in supporting the President,” he said.
At the same time, Osiya cautioned residents against falling prey to fraudsters soliciting money in exchange for jobs.
“Some individuals are conning residents between Ksh200,000 and Ksh500,000, or even livestock, pretending they can secure jobs. Others falsely claim I require Ksh2,000. Do not give out any money,” he warned.
He also highlighted challenges facing Busia County, including salary delays for workers and the detention of mothers in hospitals over unpaid maternity bills.
Teso North MP Oku Kaunya urged Bukhayo North/Walatsi MCA Gardy Jakaa to first register as a voter before expressing interest in contesting for the Teso North parliamentary seat.
Oku also announced a free dental outreach clinic at KMTC Teso Campus, sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, scheduled for Sunday and Monday. He encouraged residents with dental issues to attend.
However, Gardy Jakaa, who spoke after the MP’s departure, criticized Kaunya for allegedly avoiding the Changara boundary dispute in his remarks.
Teso North MP aspirant Imwene Ichasi has cautioned professionals from the region working in urban centres against resigning en masse to vie for the parliamentary seat, noting that the position is only available to one individual.
Ichasi emphasized that leadership is not limited to elective office, urging them to continue serving in their respective fields. He added that if elected, he would advocate for their career growth and promotions—drawing comparisons with similar support systems in neighbouring Uganda.
“If I emerge victorious, I will push for their promotions like is the case in neighbouring Uganda,” Ichasi stated.
Other leaders present included Teso North Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Kitai, Sub-County Police Commander Charles Chepkong’a, and Turbo Assistant County Commissioner Charles Chesseto, among others.
