By Reuben Olita, Busia
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has hit back at Deputy Speaker and Malaba Central MCA Ronald Ochalu over claims that he is blocking the construction of a modern market in Malaba.
Speaking last Friday during the burial of Mzee Ayub Nyongesa Odikor, 96, in Kooli village, Ochalu accused Omtatah of engaging in poor politics by allegedly attempting to derail the KSh450 million project for Malaba Municipality.
“If you want a seat, look at the benefits of the residents first. We cannot lose KSh450 million because of personal interest,” Ochalu said. “We can’t allow that. Let us save KSh450 million at the expense of KSh20 or KSh30 million. Blocking development for politics does not augur well for citizens.”
Responding via his official Facebook page on Tuesday, Omtatah said he fully supports a state-of-the-art Amoni Market that benefits traders and boosts the local economy, but insisted on accountability.
“Principles matter. Before spending KSh200 million of taxpayers’ money on land the county already owns, worth only KSh20 million, we must ensure due diligence is done. Anything less would betray public trust,” he wrote.
The senator warned against fraudulent land deals disguised as development, saying, “If we lose public resources today, there will be nothing left tomorrow to build the market or any other project.”
He urged fellow politicians to “take a chill pill,” stop incitement, and focus on protecting public funds, assuring Busia residents that his actions are in their best interest to ensure projects are delivered with integrity and without financial loss.
