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Busia Governor Paul Otuoma has assured members of the Teso community that he will accommodate them in his administration.
Otuoma said claims that he will fire some of the Iteso working in the county government were lies peddled by leaders out to spread hatred between the Luhya and the Iteso.
The two communities are the dominant tribes in Busia county.
The county chief said allegations that he will sack the Iteso in the county government and replace them with the Luhya are allegations that will not materialise while he is governor.
He, however, expressed the need to streamline administrative activities in the county and ensure county employees deliver by serving residents of Busia.
Laziness, the governor said, will not be tolerated when he is at the helm of the county leadership.
“I have enjoyed a good relationship with the Iteso before one bishop in Apokor during a mass ahead of the campaigns purported that I am a man who promotes hatred, which is a lie,” Otuoma said.
“Despite all these lies, I have managed to pay a courtesy call to the new King of the Iteso Emorimor Papa Sande Emolot in the company of my deputy Arthur Odera where he (Emolot) gave us advice on the need to embrace unity.”
He recounted when, during campaigns, he was labelled a 'dangerous man' out to punish members of the Teso community if he took over the governorship, saying the allegations were peddled by critics with intention to deny him votes from Teso.
Despite the propaganda, Otuoma said he will remain steadfast in uniting Busia residents in the seven subcounties of Teso North, Teso South, Nambale, Butula, Matayos, Funyula and Budalang'i.
Critics, he said, will not succeed in deviating his focus in ensuring Busia becomes a model county that attracts both local and foreign investment.
Without development, the governor said he risked being voted out of office in 2027.
“We have a task ahead of us,” he said. “It will not be business as usual when it comes to the execution of our duties. We need to change our thoughts and go an extra mile to do what is needed to deliver for the people of Busia,” he said.
“We can only win a second term if we work for the people. If we don’t work, we may be sent home. We have no otherwise but to work for the people.”
Odera lauded Busia voters for the victory of Otuoma and him. He said the race was no walk in the park.
Iteso Cultural Union deputy prime minister in charge of Kenya region Fredrick Adungo said the union will support Otuoma to ensure he delivers on his mandate.
Otuoma and Odera spoke at Moding Primary School during a thanksgiving mass for Odera.
