Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has denied reports that his government procured 600 20-litre jerrycans at Ksh10,000 each.
Daily Nation on Saturday, April 11 reported that the governor had termed the allegations as false, malicious and lies peddled by his rivals to undermine and taint the image of his administration.
While addressing the media from the county's headquarters, Wangamati accused leaders of selling lies to members of the public with regard to the county's preparedness on the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Some politicians want to use the Covid-19 issue to settle political scores and fan enmity. We, as a county, distributed 368 containers all donated by well-wishers," Wangamati stated, further informing that 120-litre containers that the county had installed in markets had been donated as well.
"This is the time for leaders in Bungoma to come together and educate residents on this disease," he asserted.
The governor urged any person with evidence of the alleged procurement to report the matter to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Wangamati revealed that the county had set aside a Ksh 200 million budget for food, besides the Ksh 100 million emergency kitty. He explained that the funds would be reallocated through a mini supplementary budget.
"If anybody has any evidence to the contrary or to the effect that any officer in my government paid Sh10,000 for a jerrycan, please bring it forward or take it to the EACC, the county assembly and other relevant authorities," Wangamati stated.
"This is not the time to create scandals where there are none to settle meaningless scores. Covid-19 should unite us more as a family than divide us,
"It behoves leaders to shelve narrow interests and keep our eyes on the ball. That is fighting to stem the spread of the coronavirus in the county. Treat any information contrary to this as a rumour, gossip and ill-will," he asserted.
Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangul had on Thursday, April 9, 2020, called upon relevant bodies to investigate the Bungoma County Government over the alleged purchase.
“I have received reports of a possibility of misuse of public funds. We are aware the fight against coronavirus requires funds. However, we demand transparency and accountability in the manner the Bungoma county government is using the money,” Wetangula stated.
"Without a doubt, this is the misuse of public funds. I call on the relevant authorities, including the county budget allocation committee, the treasury as well as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate this matter swiftly," Wetangula proclaimed.
Several Members of the county assembly had also accused the governor of misusing the county's funds.
Wangamati during his address announced that the county was in the process of acquiring another 300 jerrycans stating that some groups were yet to receive theirs.
He urged leaders in the county to unite, rather than fight each other.
