Awiti narrates encounter with eye problem, warns cabinet members

Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti speaks during the swearing-in of the County Executive Committee Member for Transport and Infrastructure Samuel Nyaoke at the county headquarters on October 30, 2019. Awiti revealed how he lost his eyesight which kept him away from the public for some time. [James Omoro, Standard]

Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti has revealed how he has been battling a life-threatening eyesight ailment that kept him away from the office for several months.

Speaking for the first time about his condition when he resumed duty today, Awiti confirmed he had a recurring optical problem but said he has now fully recovered and in good health.

Awiti recounted how at one stage he could not see, forcing him to rush to his doctors who advised him to take full bed rest after treatment, hence his long absence from office.

Speaking when he presided over a ceremony for swearing-in of the County Executive Committee Member for Transport and Infrastructure Samuel Nyaoke, Awiti testified how it is painful to lose sight.

“I was on the verge of losing my sight some time back. It was a very painful situation.  I thank God and the people of Homa Bay for their prayers which delivered me from the problem,” Awiti said.

“I will not forget what God has done to me. I am now able to see very well and discharge my duties as usual,” Awiti said.

 Awiti who also toured various on-going development projects in Homa Bay town used his return to warn Members of his Executive he claimed were involved in gossip clubs instead of working for the people.

He said he was aware of some members of the executive who always leaked key information discussed in the Cabinet to politicians opposed to his administration.

"If you know you have been leaking secrets of this government to some people for your own personal benefit, your days are numbered. You can as well leave before we deal with you," said Awiti.

He said it was unethical for a member of his cabinet to be involved in the vice.

“It is wrong for any of my ministers to leak any matter discussed in the cabinet meeting to the public. This is not the best way to work,” he said.

He added: “Any minister who intends to continue leaking the cabinet secrets should resign with immediate effect. Be ready to lose your job if you cannot change. I am not going to be lenient with anyone anymore,” said Awiti.

The County Chief told his cabinet members to embrace teamwork which will enable them to achieve the development agenda of the county government.

 “I also want to urge my ministers to work together with development partners so that we can have more investments in the county,” the governor said.

His deputy Hamilton Orata urged elected leaders and residents to tone down politics and collaborate with the county government for development.

“We have experienced some political wars but these wars cannot help us. Let the county elected leaders and residents tone down their wars to enable us to achieve the development goals,” Orata said.