Former CS Owalo Accused of Abandoning Longtime Aide Who Died in Despair

A controversy has erupted following the death of Ken Arek, a longtime blogger and aide to former ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, with allegations that Owalo abandoned his loyal supporter despite years of service.

According to social media posts from Jim Bonnie, reportedly a fellow blogger and friend of the deceased, Arek died “broke and depressed” after allegedly being denied employment opportunities and financial assistance from Owalo, who now serves as Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of performance and delivery management.

The accusations claim that after Owalo secured his ministerial position, Arek and other team members were repeatedly asked to submit CVs for potential government positions, but none materialized.

Bonnie alleges that Arek’s attempts to meet with Owalo were rebuffed, with security reportedly instructed not to grant him access.

“Each time they followed up, they were met with reprimands and reminded they didn’t understand how government operates—that they needed to be patient,” Bonnie wrote in his widely-shared post.

According to the allegations, Arek faced mounting financial difficulties, eventually becoming unable to pay rent, which led to him being locked out of his residence with his wife and young child.

After relocating to his rural home, Arek allegedly continued seeking assistance, particularly for his mother’s medical treatment, but received no response from Owalo.

In a separate comment, Facebook user Babior Newton accused Owalo of “fake love,” questioning why the former CS didn’t use his position to secure employment for Arek despite having ample opportunity as a Cabinet Minister and later as deputy head of public service.

Owalo has since visited Arek’s family home in Asembo to offer condolences, describing the deceased as “like a younger brother” who had been a “close associate” for 12 years.

He also reportedly arranged for the transfer of Arek’s body from Bondo Sub-County Hospital to Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu.

The controversy has sparked debate about the treatment of political aides and campaign workers after their superiors attain office, with some commentators questioning the ethical responsibilities of public officials toward those who supported their rise to power.