Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka found himself at the center of controversy on Wednesday, February 12, after a newspaper advertisement he placed in support of Raila Odinga’s African Union (AU) Chairperson bid sparked debate.
The governor dedicated nearly half a page in a local newspaper to convey his best wishes to the former Prime Minister, ahead of the highly anticipated African Union Commission (AUC) elections set for Saturday, February 15.
In the message, Lusaka praised Odinga’s leadership and commitment to Africa, stating, “As you stand on the threshold of an extraordinary opportunity to serve as the next Chairperson of the African Union, I extend my heartfelt goodwill and best wishes for your journey ahead.
Africa has long looked to visionary leaders like you to help guide it towards a future that is prosperous, united, and at peace.”
Further emphasizing Odinga’s legacy, the governor added, “Your life’s work, defined by unwavering dedication to the betterment of our continent, has positioned you not only as a leader but as a symbol of hope, resilience, and transformative change.”
However, despite the goodwill in his message, the advert triggered backlash, with critics arguing that the money spent could have been used for more pressing county needs.
Reports indicate that placing such an advertisement in a local newspaper costs approximately Ksh300,000, a figure that many Kenyans felt was an unnecessary expense.
One of the strongest reactions came from the Secretary-General of the Consumers Federation of Kenya, Stephen Mutoro.
He accused Lusaka of misusing public funds, suggesting that the money could have been allocated to vital county projects.
“This is primitive, backward, and a blatant waste of public funds. You could have simply placed a call to Raila Odinga. Remember, the cost of this unnecessary advert could have been used to fuel West Kenya tractors to repair our impassable murram roads,” Mutoro posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This incident is not the first time a Kenyan governor has faced criticism for spending large sums on newspaper ads.
In 2022, following his election victory, President William Ruto had to caution county leaders against placing costly congratulatory messages in newspapers.
The Ministry of Devolution at the time issued a directive discouraging such expenditures, calling them an unnecessary use of public funds.
The government further reminded governors that such spending violated the Public Financial Management Act (2012), which aims to ensure responsible use of public resources.
According to research by Kenyans.co.ke, the cost of running an advertisement in a major newspaper varies, typically ranging between Ksh500,000 and Ksh1 million for a full-page colored ad.
Prices fluctuate based on factors such as the publication, the positioning of the ad, and availability of space.
Governor Lusaka has yet to respond to the growing criticism, but the controversy has reignited conversations on how public funds are allocated and whether county governments are prioritizing essential services over publicity campaigns.
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