Ailing Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti on Tuesday delegated his duties to deputy governor Hamilton Orata, a move which would allow him to seek medical attention.
For months now, the governor has been battling with partial blindness coupled by diabetes, and is said to have undergone eye surgery in German. The medical leave taken on Tuesday will allow him to continue with medication.
"I wish to thank Rt. Hon. @RailaOdinga among other valuable friends who have visited and wished me best of luck as I recuperate. Above all I thank God for His blessings and healing," he tweeted last year when his party leader, Raila Odinga visited him.
His communications director Juma Aluoch said all the duties supposed to be undertaken by the governor, will now be handled by the deputy. Mr Orata has however been representing Awiti in several functions for over a year now.
“All affairs of the county will be run by the deputy governor as it has been since the governor has been unwell,” he said in a phone interview without confirming if Mr Awiti is out of the country.
“There is no cause for alarm and all residents will get relevant services from the county. There is no vacuum.”
Even as he undergoes treatment, Awiti has come under criticism from a section of Homa Bay leaders, who accuse him of run away corruption.
Senator Moses Kajwang, MP Peter Kaluma and Woman Representative Gladys Wanga have been calling for his resignation. In March this year, he survived after Supreme Court upheld his victory despite having lost to Oyugi Magwagwa in lower courts.
“The governor should resign for entertaining corrupt ministers in his government. They have not delivered any meaningful services to residents and there is nothing going on in the county,” said Mr Kaluma in interview with the Nation.
Mr Awiti becomes the second county boss to delegate duties to deputy since the inception of Devolution. Last year, Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama handed over powers to Amos Nyaribo, a move that allowed him to seek treatment in US for three months.