Otuoma warns leaders against inciting residents over Changara boundary dispute

Busia Governor Paul Otuoma has cautioned political leaders against inciting residents of Sirisia and Teso North constituencies over the Changara boundary dispute, saying the communities share deep historical and social ties that should not be undermined by politics.

Speaking on Thursday during the launch of the construction of the 1.8-kilometre Kocholia–Adurukoit Road in Malaba South Ward, Busia County, Otuoma said residents of the neighbouring constituencies should not be dragged into unnecessary political competition over boundaries.

“Residents of Sirisia and Teso North are one family. What are we competing for? Leaders should stop bringing politics that people do not understand,” he said.

The governor emphasised that the mandate to review electoral boundaries rests solely with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), warning politicians against taking the law into their own hands.

“Ati unataka kusema Changara iko wapi? Kuna utaratibu wa mipaka. IEBC ndiyo inaangalia utaratibu wa mipaka,” Otuoma said.

He criticised leaders allegedly inciting residents over the issue, saying they lacked the legal authority to determine constituency boundaries.

“You are not IEBC. Why are you inciting people? You have no locus standi to incite communities. Let IEBC do its work,” he added.

At the same time, the governor declared his political support for President William Ruto, saying the head of state deserves backing for the development projects initiated in Busia County.

Otuoma, who is a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party led by Raila Odinga, noted that the broad-based government arrangement presents an opportunity for the region to benefit from national development.

“I am ODM and Raila Odinga was my leader. He left us in the broad-based government and in that arrangement we ask the President to also give us a share of the national cake,” he said.

He added that if the region benefits from development projects, residents would have no reason to oppose the President’s leadership.

“If you give us even ‘nusu mkate,’ we will have no bone to bite with you. We will add you one more term to make it the mandatory two terms, then you can call it quits as we look for another leader in 2032,” he said.

The governor cited several projects initiated by the national government in Busia County, including the tarmacking of the Kocholia–Amukura–Nambale–Butula Road, establishment of an Export Processing Zone in Nasewa, dualisation of the Malaba–Bungoma Northern Corridor Highway and water projects sourcing water from River Malakisi.

“I cannot be mad not to support such a person of the President’s stature who is bringing development to our people,” Otuoma said.

He also revealed that President Ruto had planned to visit Busia County earlier in the week but postponed the trip due to unavoidable circumstances.

“I will bring the President here to visit Busia County. He was to come on Tuesday but had to postpone until a later date,” the governor said.

Otuoma urged leaders to prioritise service delivery and development instead of engaging in divisive politics that could destabilise communities.