Ottichilo fights for survival as rivals seek to unseat him

Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo is fighting for his political survival as heavyweights seek to unseat him.

Among the contenders in the race are former Governor Moses Akaranga, Sabatia MP Alfred Agoi and Francis Ominde.

Others are Senator George Khaniri, Patrick Saisi and former National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende.

Kenya Kwanza alliance will rally behind Agoi, while Azimio la Umoja will support Ottichilo.

Saisi, Ominde and Akaranga have not joined any political coalition.

Ottichilo will use his development record to defend his seat.

Khaniri is banking on his political experience in the race.

The senator has been in politics for six terms–four as Hamisi MP and two as senator.

Khaniri said not much has been done by the two administrations of Akaranga and Ottichilo in the county.

“What disappoints me is that this county gets billions of shillings, but we can’t see what is done with that money,” he said.

The lawmaker accused Akaranga of not implementing projects in the county that could have helped Vihiga grow.

But Agoi said Khaniri is the source of the problem in the county, saying the senator was elected to put the two governors on their toes so the county could develop.

“When you fail to deliver to people, why should you parade yourself as the best candidate to revive the county?” Agoi asked Khaniri.

Ottichilo and Akaranga dismissed Khaniri, saying he has no capacity to deliver for Vihiga people as he has failed in oversight roles.

“When you give out money and you fail to oversee what that cash has done, whom should you blame? If you are not able to play oversight roles in the county, how will you manage the county resources as the governor?” Akaranga asked.

Ottichilo said, “He says he brought money to me, when was that and where is that money? What I have received is the allocation from the Treasury,” 

He said he has done his best to serve residents and "the only reward you can give me is by electing me for a second term.” 

Ottichilo said most of the challenges devolved units and the country are facing are from poor decisions made at the ballot.

The governor spoke at Ebbiba Church of God in Luanda subcounty.

Akaranga has on many occasions accused his successor of not completing the projects he initiated as the pioneer governor.

On the other hand, Ottichilo has accused him of initiating ghost projects that only exist on paper.

“I found the county in an awkward state where wage bills and pending bills were too huge,” Ottichilo said.

 He said he is still optimistic the voters will grant him a second term.

Akaranga says he is the best candidate to steer the county forward.

Political analyst David Ongado said ANC party leaders from Maragoli will play a huge role in deciding who to govern the devolved unit.

 “The sub-tribe politics will play a huge role in deciding if Ottichilo, who is from Bunyore will retain or the Maragoli sub-tribe will take over,” he said.

“The political parties will also play a huge role in deciding who wins.” 

 Ongado said Akaranga, Agoi, Khaniri and Ottichilo have served as elected leaders and their track record in their different capacities will be weighed by the electorate.

In 2017, 200,634 votes were cast across the 548 polling stations in the county. Ottichilo garnered 82,260 followed closely by Akaranga with 65,539.

 Yusuf Chanzu had 34,102, while Josphat Amadi got 16,427 and Kennedy Butiko garnered 2,306 votes.

This year, the aspirants will be scrambling for 305,983 votes across the county. According to IEBC register Hamisi subcounty has 82,021 voters, Sabatia is second with 70,251, Luanda has 54,049, Vihiga 51,979 and Emuhaya has 47,683 votes.

Edited by A.N