Concern has deepened in Homa Bay County after Governor Cyprian Awiti stayed away from public duties for an extended period while seeking specialised medical treatment abroad for an undisclosed illness.
Awiti was last seen in public in July 2018, after the High Court nullified his election as governor. He then pursued a final legal bid to retain the seat after consultations with his party leader, Raila Odinga.
People familiar with his condition said the governor may have lost his eyesight. That account was reinforced by remarks made by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang at a fundraiser in October, when he told residents not to worry about the governor’s absence.
Since then, Deputy Governor has been handling key county development forums and political events.
The latest information indicates that Awiti, who is said to be partially blind, is scheduled to undergo eye surgery in Germany in an effort to restore his sight.
