Vihiga County Governor Wilbur Ottichilo has sacked two County Executive Committee (CEC) members over corruption and sent another on compulsory leave.
Sports CEC Ms Marita Agufuna and his Finance counterpart Mr Alfred Indeche had been impeached on Monday by the County Assembly.
They are accused of transferring Sh18.8 million to a private account towards the end of the 2017/18 financial year in a bid to hide it from the National Treasury.
Education CEC Ms Felistus Okumu was sent on a three month compulsory leave following her department's failure to account for Sh3 million in bursary funds.
The county government confirmed that the trio notified the Governor of their exit, setting the stage for investigations into the allegations to begin.
[caption caption="Governor Wilbur Ottichilo addressing a past press conference"]
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“For now we are not saying whether money was embezzled or not. All we’re saying is that let the county government conduct their investigations, we have nothing to hide,” stated Deputy Governor Patrick Saisi.
Saisi further disclosed that the Governor would soon appoint temporary replacements for the three officials.
“Since we received these letters, the governor has not yet picked those who will be acting. You have to be patient, I’m sure something will be done in that regard,” he noted.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ottichilo had promised to crack the whip on corrupt officials in his administration.
"Upon the conclusion of their investigation, my government will not hesitate to implement the decision of the county assembly committee.
"I wish to assure the people of Vihiga County that my administrations remains committed to fighting corruption as we forever endeavor on delivering services and development to the people," it read in part.
[caption caption="Governor Wilbur Ottichilo"]
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