Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo Heckled Infront of Ruto

There were unsavoury scenes in Vihiga County on Wednesday, January 22, as residents heckled their governor in front of President William Ruto.

Ruto, who is on a development tour in Western Kenya, made an impromptu detour to Luanda to officiate the opening of the Luanda Modern Market.

While in Luanda, Ruto was joined by Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo, and the pair addressed an eager crowd at the market.

However, Governor Ottichilo was left embarrassed when the crowd turned hostile as he was handed the microphone to speak, openly expressing their discontent.

Vihiga County Governor Wilber Ottichilo during a meeting at county offices on Monday, January 20, 2025.

Vihiga County Government.

In a video accessed by Kenyans.co.ke, the governor openly faced rejection in the presence of Ruto as the crowd shouted down his attempts to speak.

“On behalf of the people of Luanda, I would like to send my appreciation..” Governor Ottichilo told the crowd before being completely overwhelmed by jeers.  He eventually gave up and walked away.

While it is unclear why Vihiga residents were incensed by their governor’s presence, it could have something to do with demolitions of shops a day before Ruto’s visit.

On Tuesday, hundreds of Luanda residents counted losses after their shops were destroyed to commission the construction of a new market.

Disgruntled traders were adamant the county government was uprooting their source of livelihood since they were not offered an alternative location to ply their trade ahead of the demolitions.

The traders further demanded compensation from Ottichilo’s administration as they claimed the destruction of their shops had led to massive loss of property.

Meanwhile, President Ruto’s Western Kenya tour is set to end on Friday, January 24.

This latest incident was a familiar one in the eyes of the President, who was caught in a similar awkward moment on December 29 in Bomet County.

After a church service, the president took to address residents in the presence of several dignitaries including Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok.

However, Bomet residents made their ill feelings towards the governor known. They were upbeat for much of Ruto’s speech, but their demeanour instantly changed when the President gave Barchok the opportunity to address them.

President William Ruto launching the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project Phase I, January 22, 2025.

PCS

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