Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti takes Oath, promises to sack members of his cabinet

Raila parades Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti during a rally in Homa Bay. Photo: James Omoro/ Standard

Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti took oath of office for his second and final term and said several members of his Executive Committee could lose their jobs in the new cabinet line-up.

Awiti said he was commencing his new term with a clear agenda to fully implement his development manifesto and would not entertain joyriders.

He said he would wage fresh new war against corruption and extended an olive branch to his closest competitor-former Kasipul MP, Oyugi Magwanga who has thretened to challenge his win in court.

Awiti and his Deputy Hamilton Orata were sworn into office by Judge, Justice Aron Makau and Homa Bay Chief Magistrate Thomas Obuto at Homa Bay High school on Friday.

He said he would drop several of his executives and chief officers who may have slept on the job during his first term in office.

"I want to thank my Executive Committee members who have been serving in the first time of my administration because I could not have made any achievement as an individual. However, some of them should not be worried if they don't find their names in the current Government," said Awiti.

The Governor said he had come to the decision after listening to concerns raised by the people of Homa Bay.

In the recent General election, Awiti garnered 210,173 votes against his chief rival Oyugi Magwanga who got 189, 060 votes.

In his statement during the inauguration ceremony, the Governor said the people who voted Magwanga and other competitors did not like the candidates but were aggrieved with some of the wrongdoings in his previous government.

In order to correct the anomaly, Awiti said members of his current executive committee must go home to pave ways for other people who can enhance service delivery to the people of Homa Bay.

"I am committed to leaving a legacy in this county as a servant of the people hence would only bring on board people who can help me achieve the dream," he added.

Awiti said the process of nominating the executive committee members will be more thorough to enable him get better choices.

During his campaigns, a number of Homa Bay residents accused some of the Governor's cabinet members of laxity in service delivery, a situation which made them oppose Awiti's re-election bid.

Awiti promised to transform key water sector, infrastructure, youth and women empowerment besides improving markets in each of the 40 wards in the area.

He extended an olive branch to all those who competed him and called for concerted efforts in service delivery.

"I also promise to serve everybody in this county including my opponents and their supporters," he added.

Homa Bay women rep elect Gladys Wanga, Homa bay Senator, Moses Kajwang’ and several MPs attended the colourful inauguration ceremony.

Said Wanga: "We now need to shun political division which occurred during campaigns. This is the time for unity."