Fresh political turmoil has rocked Migori County after Tagare MCA and Jubilee Party legislator Moses Magwe launched an explosive attack on the administration of governor Ochillo Ayacko, accusing it of turning the County Assembly into a powerless institution through intimidation, political threats, and manipulation of oversight structures.
In a hard-hitting media interview, the outspoken MCA alleged that the Migori County Executive has entrenched a culture of fear within the Assembly, making it nearly impossible for MCAs allied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to independently criticize the executive or question alleged misuse of county resources.
According to Magwe, a majority of ODM-affiliated MCAs have allegedly been reduced to “rubber stamps” of the executive, with dissenting voices facing punishment through removal from influential committees and political isolation.
“The County Assembly is no longer operating independently as expected under devolution. Many ODM MCAs have been reduced to merely endorsing decisions from the executive without scrutiny. Those who attempt to speak out against corruption, nepotism, or poor governance are targeted immediately,” claimed Magwe.
The MCA further alleged that legislators who question the conduct of the county executive risk facing reprisals, including expulsion from strategic committees that oversee finance, infrastructure, health, and public investments.
“There is fear within the Assembly. MCAs who try to expose the ills in government are removed from committees, sidelined politically, and intimidated into silence. Oversight has become dangerous because some people do not want accountability,” he said.
Magwe sensationally claimed that some MCAs have also faced threats from alleged hired goons whenever contentious issues touching on county finances or executive conduct emerge within the Assembly.
“At times, chaos is deliberately orchestrated to frustrate debate. There are instances where MCAs critical of the executive have allegedly been threatened by groups of rowdy individuals believed to be acting on behalf of powerful interests. This is a dangerous trend for democracy in Migori,” he alleged.
Assembly Turmoil and Political Tensions
The latest remarks come against the backdrop of growing political tension and repeated wrangles that have characterized the Migori County Assembly over the recent past.
The Assembly has on several occasions witnessed heated confrontations between MCAs allied to the executive and those perceived to be independent-minded or critical of Governor Ayacko’s administration. Sources within the Assembly have frequently cited divisions over budget allocations, county employment, procurement processes, and implementation of development projects.
In recent years, committee reshuffles within the Assembly have repeatedly sparked controversy, with critics claiming the changes are often used as political tools to reward loyalists and punish dissenters. Several MCAs who have publicly questioned county expenditures or challenged executive decisions have reportedly found themselves removed from influential committees shortly afterward.
The tensions have at times escalated into open chaos within Assembly precincts, with shouting matches, walkouts, and accusations of intimidation becoming increasingly common during contentious sittings.
Political observers argue that the wrangles reflect deeper succession battles and power struggles emerging ahead of the 2027 General Election, where Governor Ayacko is expected to face intense political competition.
Recruitment Scandal Claims
Magwe also renewed his criticism of the county government’s recent recruitment exercise, accusing the administration of using public employment opportunities as a political strategy to prepare for the Governor’s 2027 re-election campaign.
The legislator claimed that many qualified applicants from Kuria and Bugumbe regions were allegedly sidelined despite applying for positions ranging from casual laborers to Directors and Deputy Directors.
“People from our regions submitted applications in large numbers, yet they were excluded from the final recruitment list. What we are seeing is not fair employment but political patronage targeting supporters of the Governor,” he alleged.
According to the MCA, the county government is allegedly recruiting individuals who will serve as grassroots political mobilizers rather than professional public servants.
“These are not genuine civil service jobs. The county payroll is being used to build a political campaign structure using taxpayers’ money,” Magwe charged.
“Migori Deserves Better”
The Jubilee legislator further faulted Governor Ayacko’s administration over what he termed as underdevelopment, poor service delivery, delayed salaries, deteriorating infrastructure, and alleged embezzlement of county funds.
“We cannot continue watching Migori decline while a few individuals benefit politically. Roads are in poor condition, workers are demoralized, projects have stalled, and the ordinary wananchi are suffering,” he stated.
Magwe maintained that despite intimidation, the County Assembly must continue safeguarding public interest and ensuring accountability within the devolved unit.
“As leaders, we were elected to defend the people and protect public resources. No amount of threats or intimidation should stop MCAs from exposing wrongdoing and demanding fairness for all regions in Migori County,” he said.
His remarks are likely to deepen political cracks within Migori’s leadership and intensify scrutiny on Governor Ayacko’s administration as the county inches closer to the high-stakes 2027 political season.
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