By REUBEN OLITA
October 21, 2026| Teso North MP Oku Kaunya and his challenger, Prophet Felix Ipara, clashed over development at Keng’atuny Comprehensive School during Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Drama unfolded on Tuesday at Keng’atuny Comprehensive School in Malaba South Ward when Teso North MP Oku Kaunya and his political challenger, Prophet Felix Ipara, traded words over development at the institution.
The exchange took a political turn when Ipara, who addressed the gathering first, claimed he had built a two-room classroom at the school when infrastructure was a major challenge.
Ipara also questioned the distribution of development projects at the institution, prompting Kaunya to defend his record and outline his plans for the constituency.
Kaunya said he had secured an investor interested in establishing an industrial park in Teso North—a project he said would create more than 6,000 jobs for local residents.
The MP said the investor required 50 acres of land, adding that the location of the proposed industrial park would depend on where suitable land was available.
“The investor needs 50 acres of land to have the park up and running. This will create 6,000 job opportunities, which will help alleviate job scarcity among the youth in the region,” Kaunya said.
“Produce a 50-acre shamba and Teso North will not be the same again. Where the land will be available, that is where the industrial park will be located,” he added.
Kaunya said Keng’atuny Comprehensive School would also benefit from a proposed storeyed building to be constructed through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF).
He credited Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Kitai for facilitating the hosting of the national celebrations at the school.
The MP further announced that the NG-CDF board had agreed to purchase a school bus worth Sh9.7 million for St Stephen Keng’atuny Secondary School.
“In conformity with corporate social responsibility, the CDF Board has agreed to purchase a school bus for St Stephen Keng’atuny Secondary School to the tune of Sh9.7 million,” Kaunya said.
He added that a bus for Katanyu would also be delivered by December.
Ipara Challenges Kaunya to Seek Higher Office
In a pointed political challenge, Ipara urged Kaunya, who has served two terms as MP, to relinquish the seat and pursue a higher political office.
“You have ruled for two terms. You can now relinquish the MP seat and go and campaign for President Ruto,” Ipara told Kaunya.
He advised leaders who had served in county positions to seek senior political offices in subsequent elections or support presidential campaigns rather than return to what he described as smaller positions.
Ipara also pledged to complete the classroom he had started at Keng’atuny, saying he would proceed after receiving assurances from leaders following earlier concerns that he was allegedly interfering with development at the school.
MCA Outlines Local Projects
Malaba South MCA Bonface Ekada Mamai thanked residents for electing him in the 2022 General Election, describing them as his Mashujaa.
Ekada said the Sh4 million Keng’atuny dispensary would soon be operationalised to support the health needs of residents and serve the Keng’atuny market.
He also promised to improve the Sunbeam market access road, which he acknowledged was in poor condition.
The MCA said he had prioritised the installation of culverts and would undertake further road improvements.
He added that he had supported local groups through initiatives involving the distribution of chicks and construction of chicken houses.
Ochalu Raises Youth Unemployment
Busia County Assembly Deputy Speaker Ronald Ochalu commended Kaunya for sponsoring numerous students but said the constituency continued to face a serious shortage of employment opportunities.
“As Teso spokesperson, talk to President Ruto and other like-minded leaders and secure job opportunities for our youth,” Ochalu urged the MP.
Ochalu also cautioned Kaunya against abandoning the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying the party remained significant despite the departure or reduced involvement of some prominent members.
He cited Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino and Winnie Odinga, while noting that Ida Odinga had taken a back seat.
Teso North Sub-County Administrator Silas Jumah read a speech on behalf of Busia Governor Dr Paul Otuoma, while DCC Solomon Kitai read President William Ruto’s address during the celebrations.