An uproar has erupted in Busia County after Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma admitted that his administration spent Shs4.98 million on a consultancy to determine whether Busia County Referral Hospital should be elevated to a Level 5 facility,despite the hospital already holding that status.
The revelation has triggered widespread condemnation from county professionals and political leaders, who termed the expenditure as wasteful and unjustifiable.
Sources indicate that a section of Busia professionals is quietly strategizing to rally behind an alternative candidate in the 2027 elections, citing concerns over financial mismanagement and misplaced priorities.
Meanwhile, civil society groups and residents have called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to launch a probe into how the consultancy funds were approved and spent.
Governor Otuoma has yet to issue a detailed response to the growing public backlash.