Imwatok eyes Busia Governor seat as confusion rocks Iteso leaders

The Nairobi City County Assembly Majority Leader Peter Imwatok has threatened to enter the Busia County gubernatorial race.

Imwatok made the announcement as pressure mounts on the Principal Administrative Secretary in the Executive Office of the President Arthur Amug Osiya and engineer Vincent Sidai to agree who among them should fly the Iteso community’s flag in the race.

Imwatok has slammed the two top contenders of continued indecisiveness and engagement in ‘ping-pong’ politics” which he said was slowing down the Iteso community’s aspiration to rise to the apex of the leadership of the County in 2027.

“Sidai and Osiya are taking too long to agree on who should pave the way for the other to face Governor Otuoma. If this stalemate persists, I will have no option but to force myself into the bruising contest,” Imwatok said during the community’s cultural celebrations.

Responding to Imwatok, Sidai said he was ready to engage other leaders and confirmed that he had already reached out to both Governor Paul Otuoma and Osiya.

However, he noted that his meeting with Otuoma elicited sharp reactions with a section of residents and supporters terming it as a betrayal.

“Let us be brothers and respect each other without creating enmity. I will still talk to Osiya, even if it means fighting for one position,” Sidai said.

And on his part, Osiya has assured the county that he is not only interested in representing the Iteso community but all the residents of the border county.

He said that he is ready to face Otuoma and any other competitor promising a resounding victory and urged all players to maintain decorum and ensure peaceful campaigns.

He pledged that he will deliver the much-needed development for the county saying he has the key to unlock its potential and called on the youthful members of the county to register as voters and make informed decisions at the ballot.

“There are no roads, hospitals lack equipment, and youths are jobless. Young people should acquire identity cards and take their votes seriously. Your numbers are many,” he said.