Governor Kenneth Lusaka has said that elections are around the corner and that the electorates are bound to hear very strange things from those seeking elective office.
He said competitors who wish to unseat him are welcome to try their luck.
“Let those who want to unseat me come but in their bid to endear themselves to the electorate, they should at least have some regard for truth and avoid being rumour-mongers.” Lusaka said.
“The blatant allegations made by three aspirants for Governor of Bungoma in one of the dailies are malicious, outrageous and far-fetched. They should be treated with the contempt they deserve,” said Lusaka
You can also read, Lusaka dismisses graft allegations in his administration.
He called on any candidate or member of the public who has evidence of any corruption within the County Government, not to hesitate to report it to the relevant law enforcement agencies.
He added that Public servants in his administration are under strict notice that anyone found culpable of corruption will be held to account individually.
“It is unfortunate that those who seek the high office of Governor of our County should reduce themselves to peddlers of cheap lies and propaganda from social media channels. Leaders should exhibit some honesty and virtue.
Purported purchase of the Governor’s official Chair
On the issue of the purported purchase of the Governor’s official Chair, Lusaka said sample was supplied by one vender for consideration by the County at the price of Ksh. 18,600.
“The seat was tested for comfort and resilience but it did not meet the test, the seat is in store awaiting return to the proposer. He said.
“There is neither procurement process in progress nor intention to initiate one for the purchase of the official chair for the Governor” he added.
On the purchase of the wheelbarrows
At the inflated cost that was subject of both internal audit and a probe by the EACC, the governor said that the audit established that although the Tender Committee followed the procurement laws and awarded the lowest bidder as required by the Public Procurement Act, after due diligence and valuation of the supplied wheelbarrows showed that the county did not get value for money and could have cost at least Ksh. 75,000 per unit.
“To close the mater, I took the administrative action of barring all the 14 members from every sitting on any tender committee and ordered that that they be surcharged collectively for the loss incurred by the county due to negligence.” Lusaka said.
“The EACC probe into the procurement has not yet been released. Anyone harping on this matter is therefore not doing so in good faith” he added.
Government has no pending bills
On the issue of pending bills, the governor said that the County Government has no pending bills at the moment adding that all outstanding payments to suppliers are domiciled in the individual Departments where the contract was awarded and will be paid in accordance upon due completion and inspection.
“It is sad to note that some of the contractors clamoring for payment have not even performed 20% of the work and do not have the requisite documentation.” Lusaka noted.
“As a government, we will not pay anyone who has not satisfied the contractual obligations and requirements however loudly they shout,” he said.
“While I will remain focused on delivering my mandate, I expect that those seeking to provide alternative political leadership in our county will dedicate more time to promoting their ideas and plans for the county and shun malicious and defamatory propaganda,” he said.
