A first-term Governor from Western Kenya has earned the unflattering nickname "Mr. Stingy" after reports emerged that his aides are being forced to trek home and skip meals while on official duty. The Governor, who campaigned on a platform of modesty, has reportedly taken austerity to an absurd level, personally signing off on the purchase of every mandazi in his office.

Insiders claim the county boss recently caused a scene at a hotel in Kisumu when he refused to pay for his driver’s lunch, telling the man to "carry a packed lunch like a serious civil servant." The embarrassed driver was forced to wait in the car while the Governor dined with investors.

Micro-Management Madness

"He approves the purchase of toilet paper rolls individually," a frustrated procurement officer revealed. "We have millions in the account, but the petty cash box is empty because he thinks everyone is trying to steal from him. Work has stalled because we can't even fuel the pool cars without a lecture on economics."

• Morale Crisis: The Governor’s residence has become a revolving door of staff, with cooks and gardeners quitting in droves due to delayed wages and "impossible" demands.
• The Political Cost: While the Governor argues he is saving public money, his critics say he is simply hoarding funds for his re-election war chest while the county grinds to a halt.

The situation has become a tragicomedy, with senior county executives now holding fundraisers to buy tea leaves for their offices, unbeknownst to their parsimonious boss.