- Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna demanded to know how the Bungoma county government celebrated Christmas in September, three months ahead of schedule
- Governor Ken Lusaka denied any responsibility and explained that the money was spent in 2019 when he was not in office
- Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli told the committee that he witnessed the celebrations and wanted the matter to be presented to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission
The Bungoma County Government has once again been informed about the misuse of public funds.
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Due to the bad trolley scandal that saw the county spending KSh 109k to buy one trolley, this time, the county is facing criticism for spending more than KSh 3 million to light the Christmas tree in September.
How was KSh 3.6 million used to light the Christmas tree?
Governor Ken Lusaka, who appeared before the Senate Public Accounts Committee on Monday, February 2, watched intently as senators demanded answers on the irregular use of public funds.
“You spent KSh 3.6 million for the Christmas tree celebration? Governor, do you see things that make people feel like devolution is not working. I thought we had seen strange things where there was an increase in house temperature for KSh 5 million. Now you have KSh one million for Christmas, and the money has not been returned,” the chairman of the committee wondered Moses Kajwang.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna demanded to know how the Bungoma county government celebrated Christmas in September, three months early. “The most surprising thing is that these polls are taken in September, three months before Christmas. These are some of the things that are happening in these counties that make some of us wonder,” said Sifuna.
However, Lusaka denied responsibility and clarified that the money was spent in 2019 when he was not the governor of Bungoma.
He asked the committee to follow his predecessor, Wycliffe Wangamati, who served as governor between 2017 and 2022.
“Just for the record, because I know the media will say I’m the one who did this. It’s 2019, chairman, I also need protection. You’re treating it like it’s me. Out here, people look like, we’re in the political world,” replied Lusaka.
Senator Kajwang agreed and accepted that the expenditure was indeed made in 2019, but insisted that Lusaka is taking responsibility as the current county head.
The Bungoma County Assembly refused to approve such use, calling it fraudulent.
“Did you light your Christmas trees in September?” Kajwang asked.
“No, it should be December,” replied the chairman of the County Public Accounts Committee.
Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli told the committee that he witnessed the celebrations and wanted the matter to be submitted to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for a thorough investigation.
“This amount was spent in September, as it seems, and some of us who were alive at that time… it was a celebration where people had Christmas hats and beautiful tents, and they were jumping like pre-school children in the area of the governor’s office. It is very annoying. And those who chewed this money continue to teach Kenyans how wise they are. I want to seek comfort that, apart from tracking this money, EACC should go through this again,” said Wakoli.
How did Vihiga and Embu spend taxpayers’ money?
Last week, Vihiga governor Wilberforce Otichillo was accused of explaining how his administration spent KSh 5 million on a house warming ceremony.
The Kajwang-led committee noted that the money was spent on a celebratory event at the recently built multi-million dollar home of the County Speaker.
Otichillo admitted the violation and promised to take action against the officials involved in the fraudulent use.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire also found herself in trouble when the committee questioned her about the irregular use of KSh 10 million.
Mbarire, according to the Auditor General’s report, spent the money on the boda boda empowerment program without proper budget allocation and relevant approval.
He admitted the violation and promised to return the money.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
