Sirisia MP accuses Bungoma governor of Sh35M monthly garbage collection scandal

Sirisia Member of Parliament John Waluke has launched a scathing attack on Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka’s administration, accusing it of misusing public funds by allocating Sh35 million every month to garbage collection.

Speaking during a funeral ceremony in his constituency, Waluke claimed that the figure was grossly inflated and called it a misuse of public resources. “Bungoma county towns cannot have garbage that justifies a Sh35 million monthly budget. I’ve never even seen them cleaning Sirisia town,” he stated.

The outspoken MP went further to accuse all officers in Bungoma County government of corruption and urged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and other agencies to investigate and take action.

He also slammed the County Assembly of Bungoma, claiming the majority of Members of County Assembly (MCAs) had failed in their oversight duties. “Most MCAs are sleeping on the job. They have forgotten why they were elected. Instead of allowing such outrageous spending on garbage, they should push for development in areas like healthcare,” Waluke said.

Waluke challenged Bungoma’s youth to demand accountability and stage peaceful protests. “Youths, wake up and speak up. Storm the governor’s home or office and ask for transparency. Public funds meant for the youth and persons with disabilities are being looted,” he said.

He revealed he had received threats warning him against speaking out but declared that he was not afraid of going to court to defend the people of Bungoma. “Someone texted me that if I continue exposing them, they will sue me. I told them to go ahead. I am ready to defend the truth in court.”

Waluke also alleged that subsidized fertilizer from the Bungoma County government was recently intercepted while being illegally transported across the border to Uganda. “A truck with fertilizer sacks branded by the county government was seized at the Uganda border,” he said, citing this as another example of corruption within the county government.

He emphasized that the goal of devolution was to create employment and promote equality, not to enrich a few individuals at the top.

Waluke defended President William Ruto, saying the government had made significant progress in development, but poor communication was affecting public perception. “The President has done a lot in all sectors, but those in charge of communication are not relaying the achievements to the public,” he noted.

In response, Governor Kenneth Lusaka dismissed Waluke’s accusations, calling them baseless and uninformed. “Such absurdity can only be conjured up by a man of his caliber,” Lusaka said.

He defended his administration’s record, stating that Bungoma has made great strides in infrastructure, healthcare, and economic empowerment. Lusaka also questioned Waluke’s moral authority, reminding the public of the MP’s past conviction for defrauding Kenyans in the infamous maize scandal.

“If there is anyone least qualified to speak on corruption, it is Waluke, a convicted felon who stole maize meant to feed starving citizens. The irony of him lecturing others on integrity is nothing short of comical,” the governor concluded.