Kumi Deputy RDC Kyomya Woes Deepen, faces arrest

Kumi – Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) James Kyomya is under fire from residents and local leaders in Kumi District, facing accusations of intimidation, incompetence, and financial exploitation, even as the district welcomes a new RDC just days ago.

In a phone interview with this publication, prominent resident Mr. Charles Olaboro accused Kyomya of a string of abuses, including filing cases against WhatsApp group administrators critical of him, issuing unlawful orders against striking teachers, and interfering in political processes linked to election violence. Olaboro further alleged that the RDC’s office defrauded him of $600, citing it as proof of a wider pattern of exploitation against residents and political candidates who fear speaking out.

“This is not just my individual loss,” Olaboro said, “but a strong indication that the majority of political candidates and residents could be suffering similar exploitation in silence.” He openly challenged Kyomya to present evidence of lawful arrests in court, branding his leadership as “incompetent” and unfit for public office under the district’s new administration.

The controversy escalated yesterday during a tense Kumi District Council session, where the Lc5 Chairperson tabled a motion to censure the DRDC over misconduct, threats to district employees, and high-handed orders against teachers. While some councillors defended him after he issued an apology and shifted focus to shoddy road works, the LC5 Chairperson stormed out in protest, and the session was adjourned.

Meanwhile, LC3 Chairperson Mr. Elungat Nelson vowed to push relentlessly for Kyomya’s removal, saying, “The DRDC must leave Kumi by all means.”

Later that evening, Kyomya appeared on Continental FM in Kumi but walked out in anger when pressed by the moderator about the allegations. He reportedly vowed to “deal with the people of Kumi,” further inflaming public sentiment against him.

With residents now demanding accountability and the presidency’s intervention, many hope the newly arrived RDC will restore order and integrity to Kumi’s leadership. However, skepticism remains high until concrete action is taken against the DRDC.

Despite several attempts to contact Kyomya for comment, the embattled official has remained unreachable.