Mulembe governors pledge unity, to keep promises as they take reins

Wilber Ottichilo was sworn in as Vihiga County Governor at Kidundu stadium in Vihiga county on August 25, 2022. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard

Calls for unity among Western leaders dominated the speeches during the swearing-in ceremonies of three governors yesterday.

In Bungoma, Kenneth Lusaka received a standing ovation when he rose to take the oath of office at Kibabii University grounds moments before noon.

Lusaka said he was humbled by the confidence the people of Bungoma have in him.

"I have borne the brunt of my mistakes, I come back humbled by your renewed confidence in me but acutely aware of the magic of a second chance, with God's grace and your help, we will steer this county to the next level," Lusaka said amid cheers.

Outgoing Governor Wycliffe Wangamati promised to work together with his successor for the good of the residents of Bungoma.

Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka being sworn in as the third Bungoma County Governor. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

"I stand here today with huge gratitude for the chance that you the people of Bungoma granted me as your governor. Five years ago, we were in this venue as Lusaka was handing over instruments of power to me and today, we are standing on opposite sides as I hand over leadership back to him," said Wangamati.

Collective accountability

Bungoma Senator-elect Moses Wetang'ula, MPs-elect John Makali (Kanduyi), Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai) and Bungoma woman rep-elect Catherine Wambilianga attended the event.

Mr Lusaka said his administration will strengthen the public service and observe strict adherence to the principles and values of fairness and meritocracy.

He also promised to create Economic Council in his office to advise him. "This will ensure collective accountability during decision making," he said.

The new county chief said he would guarantee residents' public participation in development programmes.

He also promised to revive the agriculture sector by developing policy guidelines and plans.

Lusaka said his administration will introduce new varieties of crops such as avocado and French beans for the export market.

Lusaka said he would improve the bursary programme by increasing the allocation and ensuring transparency during identification of beneficiaries and disbursement of the funds.

Lusaka said he would enhance the stipends of community health workers whose work is critical in the provision of quality healthcare services.

In Busia, Paul Otuoma pledged to unite the county and improve Health, Agriculture, infrastructure and public service sectors besides cutting wastage.

The University of Nairobi (UoN) trained veterinary doctor said he would serve all irrespective of their political affiliation to foster unity.

"In the spirit of embracing that unity, I want to commit to forming an all-inclusive government and representation in all sectors of my administration," he said.

The former Funyula MP thanked his party boss Raila Odinga whom he said fully supported him in the race.

Outgoing Governor Sospeter Ojaamong handed over the instruments of power - county flag and court of arm and seal to Otuoma immediately after the latter was sworn in.

At 11.20am, Busia Chief Magistrate Lucy Ambasa welcomed the governor-elect to the podium to take the oath of office, which was administered by Justice Patrick Otieno.

Paul Otuoma was sworn in as Busia County Governor. [Courtesy, Twitter]

With his left hand on the Constitution and right hand on the Bible Otuoma said: "I will do justice to all in accordance with the law without fear...so help me God."

He also took the leadership and integrity oath that saw him vow to uphold the code that holds up persons in leadership to strict code of conduct while in office.

All these took some three minutes and another two minutes where Otuoma signed beneath his oath under the watchful eyes of Justice Otieno who also appended his signature to the documents.

Otuoma's deputy and former Teso North MP Arthur Odera took oath after his boss, pledging to serve the people of Busia with clean hands.

Ojaamong warned that the task of a governor was not easy but believed his successor would outperform him, especially in the sanitation and medical sectors.

He joked that he came to the inauguration ceremony with two flags on a government vehicle but "I will leave in a taxi."

"It doesn't mean I am not a son of Busia. Far from it, we will be meeting on the Busia streets as I will be doing some pig and poultry farming," he said.

In attendance was Papa Paul Sande Emolot, the new Emorimor, a Teso traditional leader.

The Emorimor had endorsed Dr Otuoma's candidature

Outgoing Busia Senator Amos Wako and MPs-elect Geoffrey Odanga (Matayos), Joseph Oyula (Butula), Geoffrey Mulanya (Nambale) Wilberforce Odenyo (Funyula), Raphael Wanjala (Budalang'i), Oku Kaunya (Teso North), Mary Emase (Teso South), Catherine Nakhabi Omanyo (Woman Rep) and Okoiti Omutatah (senator) attended the ceremony.

Also present was outgoing Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and former Westlands MP Fred Gumo. Oparanya described Otuoma as a fighter and performer

Wako said he believed Otuoma had a vision for all in Busia.

Wilber Ottichilo was sworn in as Vihiga County Governor at Kidundu stadium in Vihiga county on August 25, 2022. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

The former senator seized the opportunity to shake hands with his successor Omutatah.

"He is my son," he said.

In Vihiga, Governor Wilber Ottichilo outlined his vision for the county moments after he was sworn in by Justice David Kimei at Kidundu stadium.

Ottichilo said he was ready to work with everyone to develop the county. "I want to lead you to Canaan, I urge my rivals in the just concluded elections to work with me for the benefit of our people," said Ottichilo.

[Reporting by Robert Amalemba, Juliet Omelo and Brian Kisanji]