Busia Governor Paul Otuoma has sparked controversy by threatening to send armed goons to confront Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka if he dares set foot in Busia County.
Speaking during President William Ruto’s development tour in Nasewa, Matayos Constituency, Otuoma accused Kalonzo of opposing the Sh150 million bonus recently issued to Mumias Sugar Factory farmers by the president.
The funds were part of efforts to revitalize the sugar industry and support farmers in Western Kenya.
President Ruto’s initiative to distribute the bonus marks the first such payout in the sector, aiming to motivate sugarcane farmers who supplied cane to the struggling Mumias Sugar Company.
While the gesture was widely celebrated by farmers and local leaders, it drew sharp criticism from Kalonzo, who questioned the source of the funds.
In his response, Kalonzo Musyoka called on President Ruto to clarify where the funds originated, insinuating that the money might have been drawn from public coffers without proper budgeting or accountability.
“This Sh150 million, Mr. President, where are you getting this money from? It’s not in our budget,” Kalonzo said, raising concerns about transparency.
Otuoma’s Fiery Remarks
During the gathering, Otuoma defended President Ruto’s intervention in the sugar sector, stating that it was aimed at addressing the challenges faced by farmers.
In an apparent warning to Kalonzo, Otuoma remarked:
“Tumekuwa hapa tukiimua upande wa miwa. Sasa tumepata mtu anajaribu kutusaidia (William Ruto) kutatua shida zetu, na sisi tukijaribu kutatua shida zetu unaanza kutuambia tumehongwa. Hii mtu (Kalonzo Musyoka), tukimwona hapa, si tutadeal na yeye? Si tumekubaliana? Hapa Busia tunajua kudeal na watu, hatutaki,” he said, insinuating that Kalonzo’s presence in the county would not be tolerated.
Otuoma’s remarks were made in the presence of high-ranking leaders accompanying the president, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiya Wandayi.