Bungoma Speaker denies financial loss claims

The County Assembly of Bungoma has denied claims that money has been lost in the procurement of new chairs for the debating Chamber.

Speaker Emmanuel Situma who also doubles as the chair of the County Assembly Service Board (CASB) has stated that the tender for the purchase of new chairs and renovation of the chamber was awarded to Frepsos enterprises but the contractor has failed to meet the standards set out in the BQ on two occasions.

“The first batch of seats that was supplied but the same was rejected by the Inspection and Acceptance committee. The second batch has equally been rejected by the same committee. We expect the supplier to meet the right quality before a completion certificate is issued,” he said.

Payment will only be done after the works are complete.

Hon. Situma further said he works with all Members of the Assembly to ensure service delivery.

“I was elected by more than 47 members of the County Assembly drawn from across parties. You cannot brand me a Ford Kenya speaker. Ford Kenya has a total of 25 members in the Assembly. Members from other parties also voted for me,” he said.

The Speaker said his office regularly consults with the County Executive but at no time has its oversight role ever been compromised.

“We have always worked in consultation but independently performed our work as an Assembly without any undue influence from any other person. The Governor does not prefect the County Assembly. Each arm has its roles clearly described in the constitution,” he said.

The Speaker added that the process of recruiting two persons to sit on the County Assembly Service Board is ongoing.

“The positions were advertised, interviews conducted and now a report has been compiled. The report will betabled on the floor of the Assembly any time next week,” said the Speaker.

The Speaker added that the Standing orders allow him to call or cancel a special sitting any given time on the request of the Leader of Majority and Minority.

He added that members will have an opportunity to evaluate each of the names once tabled and make a decision on their suitability or otherwise.

The County Assembly Clerk Mr John Mosongo challenged the Media to be seeking clarification on all matters touching on the Assembly for fair and accurate reporting.

‘We are open to scrutiny. All our issues are public so we expect criticism but always seek our side of the story.”