By Rodgers Omodi, Busia
Busia Governor Paul Otuoma has accused his predecessor, Sospeter Ojaamong, of leaving behind a legacy of underdevelopment and crippling debts that have paralyzed service delivery in the county.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Busende Primary School grounds in Matayos Sub-County, Otuoma said his administration inherited massive pending bills amounting to about 2, most of which date back to the previous regime.
“I have a backdated salary debt of over Sh1.9 billion for county employees. This money was channeled to other functions not intended. Out of a development budget of Sh2.4 billion, it will be difficult for us to pay. The suppliers are demanding around Sh2.7 billion, and these debts have accrued over the last 13 years. Ironically, those who caused them are now leading in criticizing us,” Otuoma said.
The governor revealed that some of the pending bills lack proper documentation, with crucial records reportedly destroyed in a fire, making it difficult to verify their authenticity.
“I am not the one who brought these debts; I inherited them. Some of the people who left us with this burden are now the ones asking why we are not paying. We can only pay genuine bills that have been verified,” he added.
Otuoma said the health sector was among the worst-hit by the mismanagement of the previous administration. He noted that frequent strikes by health workers were partly due to delayed promotions — an issue his government is now addressing.
“For the last eight years, health workers were not promoted. We have to correct that and stabilize our health system,” he said.
The visibly agitated governor also took aim at Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, accusing him of stalling development through endless litigation.
“We have tried to build a trailer park, but we were taken to court for allegedly charging revenue on trailers. When we tried to buy land, we were still taken to court. You cannot keep taking us to court without providing solutions. Tell us what alternative we should pursue,” he charged.
Otuoma further faulted the Senate Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for what he termed as politically motivated scrutiny during its recent ‘Senate Mashinani’ sessions in Busia.
“We agreed to host Senate Mashinani in our county, but some senators came to lecture us instead of addressing real issues. If you start questioning budget reallocations, those are departmental matters, not PAC issues. We all know where those questions were coming from,” Otuoma said.
The governor also warned non-performing county staff that disciplinary action would be taken against them.
“I am going to discipline those who are not executing their duties properly. This will be done on principle, not sentiments. We must serve our people, and where one is not able, we will bring those who can,” he said.
Governor Otuoma maintained that his administration remains committed to cleaning up the financial mess left behind, paying verified debts, and steering Busia County toward development.
