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New Busia Governor Paul Otuoma on Tuesday came face-to-face with the rot at the county’s main referral hospital when he made an impromptu visit.

Otuoma described the facility as neglected, with broken-down multi-million machines rotting away, overcrowded wards, patients waiting for services that were not forthcoming and a complete lack of drugs.

The new county boss was also shocked by stalled projects whose contractors had been fully paid.

Otuoma was told the problems bedeviling the hospital range from lack of ambulance services for referrals to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, to and shortage of essential and beds.

Interestingly, several vehicles bought to serve the hospital were found grounded, either due to lack of fuel or spare parts. A vehicle donated by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta was seen lying at the hospital parking yard, having been vandalised.

“The hospital is in a pathetic situation because in some wards patients are forced to sleep on beds that have no mattresses, while others in congested wards are sleeping on the floor,” the county boss said.

The visit to Busia county hospital came a day after Otuoma made a similar tour of  Alupe sub-county hospital. He found most of the medical staff absent.

In a statement, Otuoma who became the governor after garnering 164,478 votes against his closest competitor John Sakwa Bunyasi (92,144 votes) vowed to ensure a thorough audit of the hospital and other sectors in the county.

He took issue with the county’s former leadership for failing to provide a clean and suitable environment for patients including ensuring they are well-fed as they pursue treatment.

He committed to push for a Supplementary Budget in the County Assembly once the MCAs officially assume office and embark on legislation that will enable him meet his promise of transforming the county.

In Kiambu County, Governor Kimani Wamatangi said the former administration neglected to service  numerous county vehicles yet they were bought using taxpayers’ money.

“It’s sad that these county vehicles are rotting in Thika, bought using taxpayers’ hard-earned money. Including a fire engine! I will make Kiambu great again,” he said.