This archive report was first published on 9 October 2019.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili Embroiled in Rent Arrears Controversy ¶
Mathews Owili, the Deputy Governor of Kisumu County, is facing a rent arrears controversy that has left him under siege.
According to a senior county official, the county government's failure to settle Owili's rent arrears owed to a property owner in Milimani Estate appears to be motivated by malice.
The official revealed that the move was to embarrass Owili and could be an attempt to frustrate him to resign, following his return from an overseas trip in the United States last week.
A letter dated September 30, addressed to the county secretary, Vauxhall Holdings Limited raised concerns over the Sh3.5 million rent arrears owed to them.
However, the Nation has learnt that Owili has been bottling up frustrations within the executive for more than a year, after it emerged that he is not enjoying many of the benefits that come with his office.
Among the issues Owili has been facing include not having his rent paid in time, being without a medical insurance scheme for a whole year, and not receiving his official vehicle and car loan.
According to documents seen by the Nation, Owili is entitled to an annual medical cover for himself and family, including spouse and up to four children below 25 years fully defendant.
Dr Owili is also yet to get his official vehicle and car loan which, according to the government ceilings on remuneration and benefits for a deputy governor is Sh5 million as well as monthly airtime of Sh15,000.
However, Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o has denied claims of attempts to embarrass, intimidate or frustrate his deputy.
Through his communications director, Mr Aloyce Ager, the county boss said some people are using the issue of the eviction notice over rent arrears as a political tool to create division between him and his deputy.
Mr Ager told the Nation that the governor and his deputy have a cordial relationship for the two years they have been working together.
"There is somebody who is trying to make political capital out of the rent issue. Someone is just out to create a wedge between Dr Owili and (Prof) Nyong'o," said Mr Ager.
When asked to comment on the matter, Dr Owili did not divulge much information, only saying he will be calling for a press conference where he will "reveal the truth" about what is happening.
But he expressed concern over the rent debacle.
