Imwatok Threatens to Join Busia Governor Race Amid Osiya–Sidai Stalemate

Nairobi City Assembly Majority Leader Peter Imwatok has warned that he may enter the Busia County gubernatorial race if two leading aspirants fail to agree on a joint challenger against incumbent Governor Dr Paul Otuoma ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Imwatok accused Principal Administrative Secretary in the Executive Office of the President Arthur Amug Osiya and engineer Vincent Sidai of dragging their feet in consensus talks, saying prolonged indecision could force him to join what he described as a “bruising contest.”

“Sidai and Osiya are taking too long to agree on who should pave way for the other to face Governor Otuoma, who will be seeking his second and final term. If this stalemate persists, I will have no option but to force myself into the contest,” Imwatok said.

He also took aim at Sidai, arguing that effective leadership requires order at the personal level, saying one could not lead Busia County if “his house is not in order.”

Responding, Sidai said he was open to consultations with other leaders and confirmed that he had held talks with both Osiya and Governor Otuoma in Busia. He acknowledged, however, that his meeting with the governor had angered some residents who viewed it as a betrayal.

“Let us be brothers and respect each other without creating enmity. I will still talk to Osiya, even if it means fighting for one position,” Sidai said.

Osiya dismissed claims that his bid was limited to the Teso community, insisting that he was seeking to lead the entire county.

“I have not stood to be a Teso governor but Busia governor. We shall settle Busia votes here, not in Nairobi. Elections will not be decided by swords or clubs but by service delivery,” Osiya said, adding that he was ready to face Governor Otuoma politically.

The PAS also questioned Sidai’s alleged late-night meetings with the governor and criticised the county administration over what he termed poor service delivery.

“We are tired. There are no roads, hospitals lack equipment, and youths are jobless. Young people should acquire identity cards and take their votes seriously. Your numbers are many,” Osiya said.

He announced plans to install solar equipment worth KSh1 million at Kakapel Comprehensive School in recognition of the area’s role in hosting annual Iteso Cultural Day celebrations, bringing the number of solar-powered comprehensive schools he has supported in Busia County to 39.

Osiya further challenged Teso North MP Oku Kaunya to prepare for accountability after serving for a decade by 2027, saying voters would decide whether to renew his mandate. He recalled the 2013 General Election, terming it a wise decision by the Iteso community to elect leaders aligned to the government.

Meanwhile, the coronation of MP Kaunya as the Iteso spokesperson in Kenya sparked mixed reactions. Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) leader Emormor urged Kaunya to justify the role by securing an audience between the Iteso community and the President.

“In Uganda, Vice President Jessica Alupo and Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, both from the Iteso community, emerged unopposed after NRM primaries. What is happening there should also happen here in Teso, Kenya,” Emormor said.

Teso North parliamentary aspirant Felix Ipara said Kaunya’s new role had politically exposed the MP seat, expressing confidence of winning it in 2027.

Addressing rising political tensions, Kaunya warned leaders against using youths as goons and hecklers at public meetings, saying the practice threatens peace and could backfire at the ballot.

“Using intoxicated youths to cause chaos does not translate into votes. When sober, these same youths will vote for leaders who address their real problems,” Kaunya said, urging a focus on job creation and education.

During the meeting, MCAs Isaac Wamalwa and Deputy Speaker Ronald Ochalu questioned the whereabouts of KSh45 million allocated for the completion of the Kakapel Cultural Centre since the 2022/2023 financial year. Other leaders present included MCAs David Parapara, Joseph Eseme, Bonface Mamai, Rose Amoit, Monica Mungalla, Concepta Omondi and Beatrice Opwapo.