Cyprian Awiti clashes with MP-elect on his last day of governorship

Former Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti.

Former Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti clashed with Kasipul MP-elect Ong'ondo Were during his last day as a governor.

Awiti differed with Were during the swearing-in ceremony of Gladys Wanga.

The controversy between the two leaders occurred when Were who has been a staunch supporter of Wanga's governorship bid went to the podium to address the area residents and guests.

In his controversial speech, Were claimed some county government officials should not serve in the new county administration.

He claimed the officials were tainted with corruption and should park and quit the offices.

The MP-elect argued that the new county government administration should not retain a number of officials who served in Awiti's administration. He however did not mention their names.

"There are a number of county government officials who were insulting Wanga. Let them know that Wanga is the governor," Were said.

Were claimed that he will organize a way of ejecting the officials from their offices if they prove tough-headed.

"If you are adamant not to leave the offices, we are going to eject you forcefully. The only people we respect are Awiti and his former deputy Hamilton Orata," Were said.

But Awiti who was present during the ceremony criticised Were for the remarks.

The retiring governor said the comments were disrespectful to employees of the county government.

"Ong'ondo you are a leader but such remarks should not come from you. I must tell you off that you are wrong," Awiti said.

This is not the first time Awiti clashed with Were. They clashed in June 2019 during the burial of the slain Homa Bay County executive for transport and infrastructure Donny Opar at Karabondi Village in Karachuonyo constituency.