Ottichillo defends pending bills, using Sh5m for housewarming party

Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo before  Senate's County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) at Bunge Towers,Parliament,Nairobi on January 26,2026. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Vihiga Governor Wilberforce Ottichilo has been put on the spot by the Senate over the accumulation of Sh1.7 billion in pending bills and the use of Sh5 million on a housewarming party for the official residence of the County Assembly Speaker.

Appearing before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, Governor Ottichilo was at pains to justify the expenditure, especially at a time when the county was facing serious financial constraints. Senators were further alarmed by his admission that the County Executive had advanced the funds to the County Assembly as a loan despite the strained finances.