Busia governor Paul Otuoma is facing heavy backlash on social media after a video emerged showing him kicking a farmer in the stomach during a maize seed distribution event.
The clip shows the governor reacting strongly to a man who was allegedly trying to collect seeds twice, a practice known as double dipping. The incident has left many Kenyans shocked and discussing leadership behaviour in public service.
According to reports, the farmer was badly hurt after the kick and was quickly rushed to hospital. Local sources say he was in bad condition when taken for medical attention, though further updates on his health are still awaited.
The video quickly spread online, and many people expressed concern over the level of force used toward a citizen.
However, instead of apologizing, the governor later issued a statement defending his actions.
In the statement, he claimed that the farmer “deserved a beating” because he tried to skip the queue while other residents were still waiting for their turn. He said he was trying to enforce fairness as the event continued.
His comments have sparked more anger and criticism. Many Kenyans have taken to social media to condemn what they call an “abuse of power.”
Critics argue that even if someone breaks rules, a leader should handle the situation calmly and respectfully, not with violence.
Some users also questioned why physical force was used instead of involving the event organizers or security officials to handle the problem. Calls for the governor to apologize and promise better conduct in future have increased since the video went viral.
The incident is now a topic of national debate, as many citizens discuss how public officials should treat members of the public, especially during important programs meant to help communities.
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