In a thunderous warning that has sent shockwaves through the Council of Governors, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has exposed an alleged conspiracy to siphon billions of shillings from county treasuries to bankroll President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election machine.

This is not just political posturing; it is a battle for the soul of devolution. With the "broad-based government" deal blurring the lines between the opposition and the state, Osotsi’s alarm bell signals a desperate fight to protect public resources from being cannibalized by the voracious appetite of incumbency. The Senator fears that the newfound cozy relationship between ODM and UDA is being used as a smokescreen for grand larceny at the county level.

The "Coercion" Strategy

Speaking from parliament buildings, Osotsi, who chairs the powerful County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee (CPISFC), claimed that governors are being "coerced" into funding the President’s campaign in exchange for protection from graft prosecution. "We are aware that sitting governors are being asked to set aside public funds to finance the 2027 presidential push," Osotsi charged. "This is a criminal enterprise masquerading as political strategy."

The Senator revealed that his committee, alongside the County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) led by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, has summoned county bosses to answer for "questionable spending practices" revealed in the latest Auditor General’s report. The fear is that these audit queries are the smoking gun of a larger looting spree.

• The target: Devolved funds meant for healthcare, roads, and agriculture in the 47 counties.
• The mechanism: Inflated procurement deals and "ghost projects" used to siphon cash for the "campaign war chest."
• The stakes: With the opposition effectively neutered by the coalition deal, Senate oversight committees remain the last line of defense for the taxpayer.

"We Will Surcharge You"

Osotsi’s warning comes as a direct challenge to the "sell-outs" within his own party. He accused certain ODM governors of prioritizing their political survival over the welfare of their constituents. "If they think they can turn counties into campaign ATMs for the regime, they are in for a rude shock," he declared. "We will surcharge them to the last coin and ensure they face the full force of the law, regardless of who they are supporting."

As the 2027 drums begin to beat, the Senator’s revelations have cast a dark shadow over the "unity" narrative, suggesting that for the common mwananchi, the cost of this political marriage might be paid directly from their development budget.