GREED FOR TENDERS SPLITS SIAYA ASSEMBLY AS ROW WITH EXECUTIVE ESCALATES

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Siaya County Assembly goes on greed rampage as a section of its members go full-throttle with Governor James Orengo’s executive wing, demanding for a huge chunk of recently floated tenders.

The row with the executive seems to be deepening after a split emerged among the members of the county assembly, with one wing distancing themselves from the widely publicized demand by their colleagues.

It is reported that an axis led by the Speaker Hon George Okode, want to be given free hand to execute tenders either directly or through proxy companies. This move is being vehemently opposed by a wing that includes West Asembo MCA Mark Okeyo, Central Alego MCA Dave Ababa,Siaya Township ward MCA Obiero Otare and Usonga Ward MCA Madialo, who argue that the Executive should be allowed the latitude to undertake procurement using the laid down procedures. This team also includes Taabu Osewe of West Sakwa Sakwa,Oliver Arika of North Sakwa and Bismark Olang’o of Central Sakwa.

The divide in the Assembly is growing deeper with some MCAs claiming that Speaker Okode has been using manipulative tactics to arm-twist both the Assembly and the executive to get his way.

The Okode wing includes his deputy Hon. Oduor Odongo, Hon. Gordon Onguru of East Asembo, Hon. Brian aka Otuom Polo of South Gem, Hon. Madingu of Central Gem as well as Hon. Ben Adalla of North Ugenya and Hon. Booker Bonyo “Dasani” of North Uyoma.

As this split ensues, some MCAs are allegedly ambivalent and unsure of which side to cast their lot with. The undecided lot are Hon. Michael Adiala of South Uyoma, Hon. Justus Oguta of West Uyoma, Hon. Angule of West Yimbo and Hon. Fredrick Omoro of East Ugenya.

The Okode axis are said to have deeply infiltrated the tendering process to the extent that their earmarked proxy contractors are already on the ground working on roads and water projects even before the tenders are awarded. For instance in West Ugenya, the area MCA Hon. Oduor Odongo is reported to have secured tender bids for roads not only in his ward but also in Ugunja and Ukwala Wards as well through a proxy firm known as Mikinet.

The jostling for tenders is already causing mummers from members of the public who have expressed displeasure at what they perceive as unbridled greed and selfishness by their elected representatives who should be focused on their legislative and oversight roles.The citizens feel that this new push by MCAs will disadvantage bona-fide businessmen and women who should be allowed to freely compete for the available tenders.