By REUBEN OLITA
June 22, 2026| Principal Administrative Secretary (PAS) in the Executive Office of the President, Arthur Amug Osiya (pictured right), has launched a scathing attack on Busia Members of County Assembly (MCAs), accusing them of abandoning their constitutional mandate of protecting devolution and holding the county government accountable.
Speaking during the burial of Mzee Alfred Peter Anyara Etyang, 73, at Kokare Comprehensive School in Malaba South Ward on Saturday, Osiya claimed the 53 MCAs had failed county residents by neglecting their oversight role.
“Your work is not to move from one funeral to another or boast about being honourable members. Your primary responsibility is to safeguard devolution. If you are overseeing the county government, where are the hospitals? Where is agriculture? Where are workers’ salaries?” Osiya posed.
He said it was worrying that even MCAs allegedly facing salary delays had remained silent.
“Have you sunk that low? Playing with people’s minds must come to an end,” he said.
The PAS declared that Governor Paul Otuoma’s administration should be voted out in 2027, saying residents deserved leaders who prioritise their welfare.
“We shall send Governor Paul Otuoma home and form a new government that will help county residents. MCAs are sent to the assembly to oversee the government, but oversee what?” he asked.
Osiya also dismissed the political rapprochement reportedly brokered at Okilidu between former Governor Sospeter Ojaamong and Governor Otuoma, terming it “dead on arrival.”
He further criticised Busia County Assembly Speaker Frederick Odilo over his association with the “Sifunated” political slogan.
“These days he says he is ‘Sifunated.’ What is Sifuna? Is it a hospital or a road?” Osiya asked.
He accused MCAs of watching as billions of shillings allegedly went unaccounted for without initiating impeachment proceedings against either the governor or the speaker.
“Residents will not forget that the county government failed to account for billions of shillings and yet the Assembly did nothing,” he said.
Osiya urged residents to acquire national identity cards and prepare to vote in the 2027 General Election.
He questioned how county resources have been utilised since the advent of devolution nearly 14 years ago.
According to him, Busia County received approximately Sh60 billion to Sh70 billion during former Governor Ojaamong’s tenure and a further Sh40 billion to Sh50 billion under Governor Otuoma.
“These funds are meant to equip hospitals with drugs, build health facilities, employ nurses and doctors and ensure workers are paid,” he said.
In remarks likely to stir debate, Osiya urged residents to embrace what he termed “commercial politics.”
“When you vote, ask yourself what you will get in return. Politics is also a form of business,” he said.
The PAS also announced that President William Ruto is expected to visit Kocholia to commission the tarmacking of the Kocholia-Amukura-Nambale-Butula Road and the Amukura-Machakusi Road.
Teso North MP Oku Kaunya said Sh248 million had been allocated in the recently passed Finance Bill for the tarmacking of the Kocholia-Amukura-Nambale-Butula Road.
Meanwhile, Bukhayo North/Walatsi MCA Jakaa accused Speaker Frederick Odilo of contributing to the challenges facing Busia County.
“Odilo has been Governor Otuoma’s defender and has failed the Assembly,” Jakaa claimed.
In response, Speaker Odilo dismissed the criticism, saying Jakaa had spent 15 years in politics—ten of them under former Governor Ojaamong—without tangible achievements.
“Let the people of Sifuna do their work,” Odilo said.