After facing criticism, Kakamega Deputy Governor-elect Ayub Savula has overturned his claim that he shared power equally with his boss, Fernandes Barasa.
The DAP-K deputy party leader admitted making the circulating remarks, but claimed they were exaggerated and out of context.
On Tuesday, September 13, Savula stated that Barasa would lead the devolved unit and pledged his loyalty to him. He also vowed to carry out his duties in accordance with the Constitution.
“I was misquoted. I did not say that I am a co-governor. The clip doing rounds on social media is not current but was recorded during the campaigns.
“The Constitution is clear. Fernandes Barasa is the governor of Kakamega, and I (Savula) is his loyal deputy,” Savula maintained.
In the viral video, the former Lugari Member of Parliament (MP) spilled the beans on an alleged deal orchestrated by ODM leader Raila Odinga to entice him to join Azimio One Kenya.
He claimed that Barasa intended to divide the county government in two. The incoming county deputy hinted that he would be able to appoint half of the County Executive Committee.
“Barasa and I agreed that we would share the government fifty-fifty. Kakamega has ten ministries, will appoint five and I will appoint five,” Savula declared.
DAP-K, on the other hand, issued a counter-statement to distance itself from Savula’s alleged blackmail, in which he urged Fernandes to keep his promise.
“As a coalition partner, we shall support Barasa to deliver to Kakamega County people on his promises pegged on #MaendeleoNaUsawa devoid of sideshows and blackmails. We have an agreement to deliver devolution fruits to the people after the swearing-in on Thursday,” the party wrote.
Fernandes and his deputy will be sworn into office on Thursday, September 15.
