Govenor Awiti is well, Raila tells residents, after the governor's prolonged absence

Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti addresses residents at Miriu Level Four hospital in Karachuonyo Constituency. [James Omoro/Standard]

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has assured county residents that Governor Cyprian Awiti, who has been away for nearly three months, is well.

Mr Awiti has not been in office, with county officials citing ill-health. He is said to have undergone an eye operation and been advised to take medical leave.

His absence has fueled anxiety, which has been compounded by pending ruling by the Supreme Court over the fate of his reelection last year.

On Wednesday, Raila, while attending a function in Ndhiwa Constituency, delivered Awiti's greetings to the crowd.

“Governor Awiti has been away but he told me to pass his greetings to you. Do you welcome his regards?” Raila asked. The crowd acknowledged the greetings.

He added: "I was with him before I came here. He has been unwell but he is now okay."

Raila's assurance on Awiti's health came days after Bunge La Wenye Nchi members started gathering signatures to push for dissolution of the county.

Separately, Deputy Governor Hamilton Orata said Awiti's absence had not created any vacuum. He said they had been offering required services to county residents.

“All departments of the county government have been undertaking their mandate well. Nobody should think of any hitches due to the governor’s absence,” Orata said.

Bunge La Wenye Nchi leader Walter Opiyo said it was unusual for a governor to stay out of his office for that long.