I have seen a clip circulated on social media by one Samuel Okemwa over alleged corruption in the Kisii County Government.
First, let’s know who Samuel Okemwa is.
This is a self-proclaimed social media activist who resides in Canada. He carries himself as a crusader of the voiceless while claiming to champion an anti-corruption crusade in both national government and the county.
In the run-up to the last general election, he postured himself as a sympathiser of NASA.
Political Attacks
He specialises in attacking political leaders and focuses on tainting their image. If you visit his Facebook timeline, you will find videos of him attacking President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, CS Fred Matiang’i, former Kisii senator and current CAS Chris Obure, East African Court of Justice Judge Charles Nyachae and various leaders in Kisii County.
He mainly focuses on the personal life of the leaders, against what he claims to believe in and advocating for.
This poses him as a fake and malicious crusader of the voiceless. His numerous videos paint him as a gun for hire, perpetuating vitriol against his targets and whoever he feels has not given in to his demands.
Conned Musician
As he bashes leaders online, Mr Okemwa is widely considered a conman, who lacks the integrity and moral standards to abuse “corrupt” leaders.
One renowned local musician is bitter after Okemwa took him all the way to Ontario, Canada ostensibly to perform in well-paying concerts that never materialised.
He lives with his close ally Cyrus Ogega, a former employee of Kisii County, who deserted duty in March 2017 and joined Okemwa in Canada. Cyrus does not hide his disdain for the county government since he was struck off the payroll for deserting duty.
The man who poses as a crusader against corruption wanted to continue earning from taxpayer’s money while not working and when this couldn’t work, he resorted to harbouring bitterness against the county, spreading all manner of propaganda and innuendo against officers he believes don’t give in to his financial demands.
Character Assassination
Does Samuel Okemwa and the likes know that these women are mothers, daughters, sisters, wives and leaders? What depth of stupidity could make someone engage into such levels of character assassination? Is Okemwa and cohorts above the law? Social media and the internet never forget!
While Okemwa is focusing on the personal lives of the leaders, he will not tell you how Governor Ongwae, “the lord of corruption” managed to be re-elected by a majority of the Kisii electorate, who have been enjoying the fruits of devolution.
County Milestones
Under the leadership of Governor Ongwae, the county has upgraded the Gusii Stadium by constructing three new pavilions, relayed the playing surface complete with an underground drainage and irrigation system, expanded the running track and sunk a borehole among other improvements.
Governor Ongwae (holding the ball) with President Uhuru Kenyatta and other leaders at Gusii Stadium weeks ago. The president commended the governor for a good job done at the stadium. [Source/ KCG]
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Prime Minister Raila Odinga praised the Governor for this project describing it as win for the people. Now, women at Nyamache, Gesusu, Keumbu and Ogembo can access Caesarean Section procedures in theatres built by the County. Are these projects a lie?
A total of 560 solar lights and 56 high mast lights (Mulika mwizi) have been installed in markets across the county. Traders at Misesi, Birongo, Magenche, Mosocho, Eroga, Gesusu, Masimba and other places do business as late as 9pm due to ample security. Does this point to a County Government that is doing nothing?
While we appreciate the right of citizens to demand delivery of services from their governments, bandying innuendos, unsubstantiated claims and abusing leaders is not acceptable.
Kisii diaspora’s role in development
The Kisii diaspora has a role to play in moving the County forward. Instead of shouting on rooftops, the diaspora can repatriate their savings and invest in Kisii town (real estate, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality and other sectors) to create wealth and employment.