Migori county senator Eddy Oketch arriving at Assar Johansson Primary- Suna West Constituency for the Suna West Bodaboda sacco launch on Friday /Photo courtesy/
A fundraising ceremony in Migori county was on Friday 15, marred with chaos in what is believed to be a culmination of supremacy battles in Migori.
The Fundraiser which was organized by Migori senator Eddy Oketch for a group of Bodaboda in Suna West was aimed at raising funds for the riders sacco.
Everything seemed to proceed smoothly until Senator Oketch took the stage, accusing Governor Ochilo Ayacko of inciting the attendees to disregard the function he had organized.
In an impassioned speech, Oketch, who presented himself as a busy leader not inclined to engage in petty political squabbles, expressed his frustration with the governor’s alleged behind-the-scenes actions.
“Governor, I’m telling you, I am bitter. I’ve never been bitter with you before… Why is it that I organize my event and the governor incites my guests not to attend?” Oketch questioned, visibly upset.
The senator claimed that Governor Ayacko had even influenced his counterpart, Governor James Orengo of Siaya, to stay away from the event, which Oketch believed was a deliberate attempt to sabotage the fundraiser.
While Oketch emphasized his respect for the governor and a desire to work together, he made it clear that he would not tolerate any disrespect or attempts to sabotage his efforts in Migori. “I will talk to the governor one-on-one. I will not be looked down upon in Migori county,” Oketch declared.
Governor Ayacko, however, denied the accusations, attributing the tension to a breach of protocol. Speaking at the event, Ayacko explained that he was not involved in the planning process and that Governor Orengo had declined to attend after it became clear that Ayacko himself had not been invited.
“Governor Orengo is the president of Siaya County, and I am the president of Migori County. He can only attend a function in my county if I am involved,” Ayacko remarked.
The governor, who had contributed Ksh. 300,000 to the fundraiser (with an additional Ksh. 200,000 sent through MPesa by Governor Orengo), chose to forgive Senator Oketch for his accusations. He called on the newly launched Bodaboda Sacco to work collaboratively with the county government and all elected leaders, regardless of their political affiliations.
“We are going to support you as a county government through the Department of Trade, but this should not limit you from working with any leader. We are all here to serve you. Work with all elected leaders,” Ayacko advised.
The rift between Governor Ayacko and other elected leaders in Migori County has been growing, with many accusing him of incompetence. However, political commentators argue that the differences are politically motivated as some of Ayacko’s critics are eyeing the Migori county governorship in 2027
Uriri Member of Parliament Mark Nyamita and Suna West MP Peter Masara are among those eyeing the Migori county governorship.
