By Reuben Olita, Busia
Tension among supporters of two major gubernatorial candidates in Busia County has been calmed after Teso Cultural Leader, Emormor Papa Paul Sande Emolot, intervened in the ongoing political contest.
Emolot, speaking during the Teso Cultural Day in Kakapel, Angurai South Ward, addressed the growing anxieties among the followers of Principal Administrative Secretary (PAS) Arthur Osiya and Engineer Vincent Sidai, both of whom are vying for the gubernatorial seat in the upcoming elections.
During his speech, Emolot urged supporters of both candidates to “hold your horses,” stressing that there was no need for alarm.
He reassured them that there was no hidden agenda in the candidacies of Osiya and Sidai, who, he said, were simply making connections and expanding their networks as they prepared for the political race.
“Let the Ateker allow the two of their sons to go out there and make friends. Your support is highly needed instead of engaging in witch hunts,” Emolot remarked, allaying fears fueled by rumors of an early endorsement.
The anxiety among the candidates’ supporters had been exacerbated by misleading claims circulating online, particularly a rumor that one of the candidates had already been endorsed by the cultural leader during a visit to his Koitangiro residence in Eastern Uganda.
Emolot addressed these rumors head-on, urging unity among the Iteso community, regardless of their sub-county or region. He emphasized the importance of fostering brotherhood within the community, rather than getting bogged down by divisive politics. “Build the love of brotherhood,” he urged.
“We work in the same government, which can’t allow the two of us to stand,” Sidai remarked, urging his supporters not to panic. “We are all brothers. There is no division among the Ateker community,”~ Eng Sidai
Emormor went on to predict that one of the two candidates would eventually be endorsed to challenge other contenders from the Luhya nation, including the incumbent governor, Dr. Paul Otuoma. He expressed confidence that the Iteso community’s time had come, with one of their own poised to become the third governor of Busia County.
As the political rhetoric heated up, PAS Osiya made a bold statement, declaring that he had what it took to unseat Dr. Otuoma, who he accused of failing to deliver on his promises. Osiya cited his role in bringing President William Ruto to Teso, where the President pledged to build markets in the region.
Osiya expressed his dismay when Otuoma took credit for the promise, highlighting his frustration with the current administration’s lack of tangible achievements.
He questioned how the county funds were being used, drawing comparisons to neighboring counties like Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, and Kakamega, which had better facilities, such as X-ray and scanning machines. “I deserve that seat because I don’t need to be tested,” Osiya confidently asserted. “The struggle has started. People are ready to send their county leader packing.”
Engineer Sidai, who is also in the race, reacted to the rising tensions, downplaying the concerns of those who feared a rift between him and Osiya.
“We work in the same government, which can’t allow the two of us to stand,” Sidai remarked, urging his supporters not to panic. “We are all brothers. There is no division among the Ateker community,” he said, signaling that the competition between him and Osiya would not lead to any disunity within the community.
Sidai expressed confidence that the gubernatorial seat would eventually come to Teso, and he promised victory, saying, “I’m telling you, during the day time, it’s coming to Teso.”
As the debate about the future of Busia County’s leadership raged on, several local leaders, including members of the county assembly, weighed in on the issue. Gardy Jakaa (Bukhayo North/Walatsi), Isaac Wamalwa (Angurai North), Patrick Omanyala (Malaba North), Joseph Eseme (Angurai South), nominated MCA Rose Amoit, and Deputy Speaker Ronald Ochalu all urged Emormor to facilitate a resolution between Osiya and Sidai.
Ochalu even invoked the wisdom of King Solomon, suggesting that Emormor should make a fair and balanced decision about which candidate to support, much like the biblical king who wisely determined the true mother of a disputed child.
In a more pointed comment, Jakaa suggested that Osiya was the “most compromised” candidate and that Sidai should step down in exchange for a promise of appointment to a Cabinet Secretary position. Wamalwa, on the other hand, called for the next governor to come from Teso North, pointing out that Busia’s first governor, Sospeter Ojaamong, hailed from Teso South.
As the political atmosphere in Busia grows more charged, Teso leaders, including Teso North MP Oku Kaunya, remained calm despite the increasing number of potential contenders for his position in the 2027 elections. Kaunya dismissed any concerns over the rise of new candidates, including former Malaba North MCA Ichasi Imwene, stating that he was not feeling threatened.
