Homabay Governor Cyprian Awiti drew surprise from Senate members after submitting a letter written in German to explain his prolonged absence from official duties. The document detailed his health struggles and rationale for delegating responsibilities during his four-month medical leave.
Awiti returned to office in early 2019 following a hiatus due to an eye condition, which he claims has now resolved. During a Senate session addressing audit concerns about financial mismanagement in the county, he acknowledged his limited capacity to address 2017/2018 financial records due to extended sick leave and ongoing legal challenges over his re-election.
The governor recounted losing vision last year but asserting full recovery, stating, "I lost my sight but God has given it back to me. I thank everyone who prayed for me." His return coincided with a June 2019 hospitalization after falling ill during an official event, prompting a transfer to Nairobi for treatment.
Homabay County has faced persistent criticism for governance failures, with allegations of embezzlement and stalled public projects. Deputy Governor Hamilton Orata and Secretary Isaiah Ogwe managed county affairs during Awiti's absence, as the Senate scrutinized accountability for systemic corruption.
