Vihiga Governor Wilber Otichillo Faces Senate Heat Over Spending KSh 5 Million on Housewarming
Vihiga County Governor Wilber Ottichilo came under heavy fire from the Senate’s County Public Accounts Committee during Monday’s session, with senators zeroing in on a KSh 5 million expenditure for a housewarming party at the Vihiga County Assembly Speaker’s official residence. The Auditor General has already declared the spending illegal and unjustified.
Led by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, the committee grilled the governor after he was sworn in, focusing on how public funds—including contractor deposits and retentions—were allegedly diverted to fund what many described as a lavish event. One senator sharply remarked: “We are still taking money from contractors’ deposits and retentions and giving their assembly to throw parties,” underscoring the perceived misuse amid the county’s ongoing financial strain.
The housewarming was held for the Speaker’s new residence, a property already under separate audit scrutiny for inflated construction costs. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi told the committee he had been invited to the event but deliberately chose not to attend. “I was indeed invited, but I did not attend because you are aware that that same house has audit queries with this committee as well,” he stated.
The senators expressed deep frustration over the county’s spending priorities. With Vihiga carrying approximately KSh 1.7 billion in pending bills to contractors and suppliers, Kajwang challenged the governor directly: “So you are giving five million for a housewarming, but you’ve got 1.7 billion as pending bills.”
Governor Ottichilo responded by acknowledging the committee’s concerns, saying, “I think I appreciate your advice and will take action.” The panel has now directed that those responsible for the irregular expenditure face surcharging, and that the accounting officer must recover the misappropriated funds.
This latest controversy forms part of a wider pattern of financial irregularities highlighted in the Auditor General’s reports on Vihiga County. Critics have accused the governor, now in his second term, of presiding over a “party after party spree” that raises serious questions about fiscal responsibility and leadership in the devolved unit.
The Senate’s ongoing audit hearings continue, with upcoming sessions scheduled for Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo to address similar financial management concerns in their counties.
Public anger over the misuse of devolved funds continues to grow across Kenya, where the promise of devolution—to bring development and services closer to citizens—has frequently been undermined by allegations of extravagance, poor prioritization, and corruption. Watchdog groups and ordinary Kenyans are demanding stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure county resources are used for essential services and infrastructure rather than ceremonial or personal luxuries.
