Unity Over Sub-Clan Politics, Service to All: Osotsi Calls for a New Era in Vihiga
Vihiga Senator and 2027 gubernatorial aspirant Hon. Godfrey Osotsi has taken a firm stand against the politics of sub-clan division, urging leaders and residents to rally around the common goals of unity and service delivery.
Speaking on the popular Citizen Radio Late Night Show hosted by renowned journalist Kamau Munyua, Osotsi emphasized that Vihiga County is grappling with multiple challenges that can only be addressed through collective leadership and strategic planning.
“The politics of clannism is outdated and counterproductive. What our people need is unity and focused leadership that delivers results,” Osotsi asserted.
A Personal Story of Unity and Diversity
Osotsi shared his own life journey as a living example of Vihiga’s diversity and potential for unity.
“I’m from Bunyore by birth, but I spent my formative years with my maternal grandparents in Busali Ward, Maragoli land, where I also schooled up to Class 8. I later joined Chavakali Boys—still in Maragoli territory. I’m also married to a lady from Tiriki and together we are raising our young daughters in a home built on the values of unity and respect.”
He went on to ask rhetorically:
“Now, how do you classify our daughters? Are they Bunyore? Maragoli? Tiriki? Or simply proud children of Vihiga County?”
Osotsi noted that Luos, Teso, Kisiis, Somalis, and many other communities call Vihiga home and are playing a vital role in building the county.
“Going the sub-clan or tribal way is not the best way to develop Vihiga. My leadership has always been anchored on putting Vihiga first, and I urge everyone to do the same,” he stated.
Track Record and Resource Mobilization
The senator, widely lauded for his active oversight role and resource mobilization efforts, revealed that his lobbying had helped secure an additional Ksh 1.7 billion in allocations for the county. These funds, he said, are a critical boost that could transform key sectors.
When asked how the funds would be utilized, Osotsi highlighted water, health, and education as the cornerstones of his development agenda.
Water and Health as Core Priorities
He noted the underutilization of the Vihiga-Belgium Water Project, which only needs Ksh 200 million to ensure piped water reaches most households.
“This small but crucial investment can change lives. Clean, accessible water is a right, not a luxury,” he said.
On healthcare, Osotsi promised to ensure that each of the six sub-counties in Vihiga has a fully functional Level Four hospital, to ease pressure on the county referral hospital and improve healthcare access for all residents.
Strengthening Education and Skills Development
He also pledged to improve the Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector and upgrade TVET centres across the county to empower youth and address unemployment.
“A well-trained, skilled population is the bedrock of economic development. We must invest in the future,” he emphasized.
Accountability and Fiscal Discipline
Osotsi did not shy away from criticizing what he termed poor fiscal prioritization in the current administration.
“It is laughable that the county would allocate money to develop a county anthem while water, health, and roads remain neglected. That is a betrayal of the people’s trust,” he said.
On revenue collection, he vowed to implement a unified licensing protocol that will streamline operations and help the county realize the projected Ksh 1 billion in own-source revenue, as highlighted by the Controller of Budget.
