KAKAMEGA COUNTY. The Deputy President William Ruto dismissed claims that the ministry of health has embezzled over Kshs 5billion meant for free maternity scheme and other services in the health sector.
The claims which went viral after the audit report earlier last week was a rude shock to Kenyans keeping in mind the NYS saga where between Kshs 791 million and Ksh 1.8B was reported to have gone into the pockets of a few individuals in a scandal whose riddle is yet to be resolved.
The DP who was speaking at Lwandeti DEB secondary school during a funds drive ceremony for the construction of a twin lab at the school said it is the government that requested the audit report in efforts to ensure that the public funds are well spent and accounted for adding that the ministry of health has not in any way diverted the alleged funds to any other use.
“There are no funds that have been reported missing according to the audit report and in any case, it is us the government who requested the audit report and therefore there should be no reason for Kenyans to panic over the alleged loss of the funds,” He said.
He further added that the Jubilee government is working hard to ensure that no single shilling goes unaccounted for.
He warned that every government employee associated with corruption will be sent home through the court that shall determine their fate whether to be jailed or just fired.
“As Jubilee government, we are committed to fighting corruption in the country and we are not going to tolerate any government officer involved in corruption because we shall have nothing else for him other than sending him or her home through the courts,” added the DP.
Concerning the companies that have been mentioned to have received some of the cash alleged to be embezzled, Ruto protected them saying that no company should be condemned when doing a legitimate business anywhere in the country.
A section of leaders condemned the reported theft and urged the government to involve the Auditor General in the investigations and ensure the culprits are prosecuted.
Health CS Cleophas Mailu and Principal Secretary Dr. Nicholus Muraguri are at the center of the Kshs 5 billion alleged to have been lost in the sector and Kenyans have called for their immediate resignation and probe.
In the same context of corruption, Lugari MP Ayub Savula urged the government to elect former ACK archbishop Eliud Wabukala as the new Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) chairman saying he is capable of dealing with corruption which has become a household name in the country.
During the ceremony at Lwandeti DEB secondary school in Lugari constituency in Kakamega county, Ruto contributed 3M shillings towards the construction of a multi-purpose hall for the school.
He also used the chance to persuade the residents to join Jubilee party saying it is organized, unlike the CORD coalition which he said that even up to now does not know who shall be its presidential flag-bearer in next year’s general elections.
He urged Kenyans to shun tribal politics and asked his opponents to stop complaining of his visits to the Western region and insisted he will continue with his visits as he unveils and supports development projects on behalf of the Jubilee government.
He was accompanied by other politicians from Kakamega County including former minister Professor Amukowa Anangwe, Dr. Noah Wekesa, Lugari MP Ayub Savula, former Lurambi MP Manyala Keya,and former Shinyalu MP Justus Kizito Mugali among others.