Kisumu Governor, Anyang Nyong'o on Tuesday, October 8, pronounced himself on the matter of his deputy Mathews Owili's eviction notice over unpaid rent.
According to an article by the Daily Nation, a Kisumu county official who preferred anonymity claimed that the rent arrears debacle was a well-orchestrated plan to frustrate the deputy governor into quitting.
However, governor Nyong'o categorically denied the damning allegations, terming them as fictitious.
Through his communications director, Aloyce Ager, the Kisumu County boss went on to dismiss claims that he was trying to force his deputy out of office.
"There is somebody who is trying to make political capital out of the rent issue. Someone is just out to create a wedge between Dr Owili and (Prof) Nyong'o," Ager stated.
This is contrary to the Nations' informant who maintained that that Owili was not only facing eviction from his house over a Ksh3.5 million in rent arrears but that he had been without medical insurance for the entire year.
On his part, Owili remained mum over the entire issue, opting to announce that he would be calling a press conference in the days to follow to address the issue.
He did, however, claim that he had actually saved the county Ksh85,000 monthly since his rent was Ksh 100,000 while he was entitled to use up Ksh 185,000 every month as per county records.
“I am aware the county is facing financial challenges but I wonder why the rent which had been budgeted for was not settled. Unless the finance department is fixed, the county government will continue facing the challenges we are witnessing,” the Kisumu deputy governor announced.
