Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has suspended County officials, including County Executive Committee members after the theft of government property last month. In a statement on Tuesday, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang said an incident of theft had occurred at the Department of Transport’s storage facility on April 18th, and investigations revealed that a consignment of 99 tyres valued at Kshs 3.4 million meant for the County vehicles was stolen. He said police have arrested some County staff already and some have been arraigned in Court.
The Governor added that police in cooperation with the County administration launched investigations into an alleged theft of ECDE construction material that had been stored in the same facility. Investigations in both cases are still going on.
The officials who have been suspended include Transport and Infrastructure CEC Eng. Hillary Koech, Education CEC Ms. Valentine Chumo, Lands CEC Mr. Stanley Baliach, CO Transport and Infrastructure Mr. Jonah Biwott, CO Education Mr. Daniel Sang, Director Roads Mr. David Kemei, ECDE Project Manager Mr. Edwin Mosbei, ECDE Assistant Director Mr. Julius Too, Clerical Assistant Ms. Rose Sang, ECDE Project Management Office Mr. Julius Kiprotich, together with three drivers and three mechanics. Other officials have been appointed to serve in acting capacity including Mr. Elly Kurgat as the acting Transport CEC, Mr. Jacob Tanui as the acting Education CEC and Dr. Kiplimo Lagat as the acting Lands CEC.
Governor Sang said his administration will fully support the investigative authorities to pursue the cases till the end. “Any County officer or staff found to have participated directly or indirectly or abetted the loss of government resources and property will face the full force of the law,” he affirmed. Moreover, he noted that an ad hoc audit committee has been formed to investigate the whole matter and identify any loopholes in the management and implementation processes of ECDE projects. Nandi residents have welcomed the move which stands out as a war waged on graft.