Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has rubbished claims that the County government bought 20 litre jerrycans for Kshs 10,000 each, in a funds misuse scandal. This comes after ward representatives demanded accountability on the possible funds misuse, where it’s alleged 600 jerrycans were purchased by the County government. The purchase was meant to help in the hand washing drive in the ongoing battle to tame the spread of the Coronavirus.
Speaking to the press, Governor Wangamati expressed his disappointment over what he termed as malicious and misguided information and that 368 120 litre jerrycans were distributed. “Let it be known that we don’t have 600 jerrycans out there, we have 368 which were donated in a few markets and other public places…..The jerrycans were donated by well wishers…,” he said, adding that every donation that has been given to the County has been put on record and the details are available with the Bungoma County Secretary, and he also shoved aside the branding issues.
Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula had also called for transparency, “We are aware that the fight against the virus requires funds,” he said, adding that there must be transparency and accountability in how the money was spent in Bungoma County. The Bungoma County assembly health committee has however held it’s stand that it will ensure that they investigate the whole matter and have the relevant officers explain how every penny was used. Led by the chairman Musikoma ward MCA George Makari the members said they have evidence of what was purchased and will on Tuesday have its sitting to unwrap the alleged saga.