Following the arrests of Trans Nzoia MCAs a week ago by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption officers, leaders from the county have called for thorough investigations to be done to unearth other leaders who practice corruption. Endebess MP Dr. Robert Pukose said corruption was rampant in the county and there was a need for a thorough clean up by EACC officials, indicating that the MCAs were only a small portion of the puzzle with the main culprits evading justice.
The MP said that the money set aside by the county government to cater for the construction of a referral hospital has surpassed the money originally allotted by the Trans Nzoia county assembly, adding that EACC officials have to interrogate county Governor Patrick Khaemba over mismanagement of funds.
“The money allocated by the assembly for the construction of the referral hospital was Kshs. 105 million and the county government has already used more than Kshs. 700 million in the construction,” said Pukose. Concerning the case involving the MCAs who were arrested in the county, Pukose said the total amount collected on account of the burial of the late MCA Ronald Matongolo needs to be investigated further. He claimed the total amount collected was Ksh. 5 million, and the amount being investigated only Ksh. 3 million, and he wondered why the Ksh. 2 million isn’t in the frame.
His sentiments were echoed by Saboti MP David Lazaro who said there are no big or small personalities when it comes to tackling corruption, and he urged EACC officials to handle the cases in the county with impartiality. He said MCAs shouldn’t bear the punishment of corruption alone without the higher ranking leaders in the county.
Lazaro said all leaders should act when it comes to corruption and he urged residents to separate from leaders who are corrupt. On his part, Cherangany MP Wesley Korir said the county has not been performing well in terms of development and he urged residents to vote for leaders who will cater for the county needs.