Caleb Amaswache, the former Deputy Governor of Vihiga, has come out to bare the painful truth behind why he is currently reduced to selling firewood, despite once living a life of opulence between 2013 and 2017, when he held the prestigious position of the county’s second-in-command.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Friday, April 18, 2025, Amaswache poured out the bitter twist of fate that saw his once-flourishing life unravel just months after vacating office, saying those who once pledged loyalty and showered him with reverence during his time in power cruelly turned their backs on him.
According to him, the fact that the position of a deputy governor is a very senior role is another reason why he was never able to land himself another high-ranking job, as people always find it hard to place him anywhere that seems to match that stature.
“After employment as deputy governor, no one can employ you. Which interview can you win when people are getting jobs based on who they know? Out of power, you face the harshest truths — and people won’t take your calls because they no longer need you.”
Hustling for family
Amaswache further defended the firewood-selling job, saying he has been left with no option apart from doing it because he needs to fend for his family, including his daughter, who has since completed her high school education at Pangani Girls and secured an A-, and she now needs to go to university.
He shared that KUCCPS has placed her in an expensive university and that they are demanding he pay the full amount, saying that is why he has kept on doing the menial job despite the shame, considering he had once been a reserved county boss.
“I have to do this job because I have a daughter who was in Pangani Girls, and I must pay her fees, and she passed the exams — she got an A-. KUCCPS dictates that I need to pay more money for her to go to the university she has been placed in. And she needs money to go to university.”
Deputy governor’s good life
Further, Amaswache, who revealed that he had once applied for the IEBC Commissioner’s job but failed, recalled the sweet life he used to enjoy when he was deputy governor, saying he had security officers assigned to him and that he used to travel the world as he pleased.
He added that beyond his monthly salary, he received generous allowances, recalling the glamour and status of those days, and admitted that even those who didn’t care for him showed him respect — simply because of the power he wielded.
Amaswache even described the life as having been flashy and contrastingly lamented the fateful turn of events that saw him become a firewood seller.
“As a deputy governor, life was good — allowances, a security guard, and travelling the world. But now, when you are out of power, things are different. When in power, people respect you and things are flashy, and everybody gives you honour even if they do not really like you that much.”
From this, Amaswache seized the moment to caution those in leadership against arrogance during their time in office, warning that they may one day find themselves desperate for the same courtesy they once withheld from others.
He also urged them to remember that political seats are temporary and that they will not hold them forever, further advising them to lead well and not bear the consequences of poor leadership once their tenures end.
“My advice to leaders who are in power — let leaders not be arrogant. And also, respect other leaders who have been in power. Today, you could be in the office; tomorrow you will not be there — but you will still need the same respect.”
Caleb Temba Amaswache was the first Deputy Governor of Vihiga County, serving alongside Governor Moses Akaranga from 2013 to 2017.
The duo assumed office during Kenya’s inaugural phase of devolved governance ushered in by the 2010 Constitution.
Their administration, however, came to an end in the 2017 general election when they were defeated by the team of Dr Wilber Ottichilo and his running mate Patrick Saisi, who took over leadership of the county.