PAS Arthur Osiya Claims Busia MCAs Have Failed to Protect Devolution

By Godfrey Wamalwa 

The Principal Administrative Secretary (PAS) in the Executive Office of the President, Arthur Amug Osiya, has claimed that the 53 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) of Busia have failed in their mandate to protect devolution.

Addressing mourners during the burial of Mzee Alfred Peter Anyara Etyang, 73, at Kokare Comprehensive School in Malaba South Ward on Saturday, Osiya accused the MCAs of letting down county residents by failing to effectively execute their oversight role.

"Your work is not to move from one funeral to another or to 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? I am even told that MCAs themselves are not receiving salaries, yet they remain silent," Osiya said.

"Have you sunk that low? This is the nonsense we are talking about. Playing with people's minds must come to an end.

 We shall send Governor Paul Otuoma home and form a new government that will help county residents. Vote for leaders who value the welfare of the people. MCAs are sent to the assembly to oversee the government, but oversee what?" he posed.

Osiya dismissed the political collaboration reportedly brokered at Okilidu between former Governor Sospeter Ojaamong and Governor Paul Otuoma, terming it "dead on arrival."

He also took a swipe at Busia County Assembly Speaker Frederick Odilo.

"These days he says he is 'Sifunated.' What is Sifuna? Is it a hospital or a road? Residents will not forget that MCAs watched as the county government failed to account for billions of shillings and yet they have not attempted to impeach either the governor or the speaker," he said.

"Let us open our eyes and ears. Let us acquire our national IDs and prepare to vote. In 2027, I will be at the forefront of securing leadership that will enable me to form a formidable government."

Osiya noted that it has been nearly 14 years since the advent of devolution and questioned the utilization of county funds.

"During Ojaamong's tenure, Busia County received about KSh 6 billion annually, translating to approximately KSh 60-70 billion over ten years. Governor Otuoma has received between 40-50b for the last 3-4 years and  more than KSh 85 billion in five years. This is  money is meant to equip hospitals with drugs, build health facilities, employ nurses and doctors, and ensure workers are paid," he said.

In another development, Osiya urged residents to embrace what he termed "commercial politics."

"When you vote, ask yourself: I have cast my vote, what will I get in return? Politics is also a form of business," he remarked.

Osiya further revealed that President William Ruto is expected to tour Kocholia to commission the tarmacking of the Kocholia–Amukura–Nambale–Butula Road as well as the Amukura–Machakusi Road.

Teso North MP Oku Kaunya said KSh 248 million has been allocated in the recently passed Finance Bill for the tarmacking of the Kocholia–Amukura–Nambale–Butula Road.

Meanwhile, Bukhayo North/Walatsi MCA Jakaa claimed that Speaker Frederick Odilo has contributed to the challenges facing Busia County.

"Odilo has been Governor Otuoma's defender and has failed the Assembly," Jakaa said.

In his response, Odilo dismissed the criticism, saying Jakaa had spent 15 years in politics — ten of them under former Governor Ojaamong — merely engaging in political rhetoric.

"Let the people of Sifuna do their work," Odilo said.