Ad-hoc Committee recommends county officials dismissal for abuse-of-ofice

Kericho

Saturday August 12, 2023,

KNA by Kibe Mburu

Kericho County Assembly Ad-hoc Committee that investigated the area County Government Committee-In-Charge of funds collected through fundraising for the Londiani Accident victims, has concluded that the Committee misappropriated the funds and called on Governor Eric Mutai, to dismiss the officials with immediate effect.  

The Ad-hoc tabled the Report on the investigations on the floor of the County Assembly, accusing the County Secretary and Head of Public Service, Dr Wesly Bor, of abuse of office through forgery of minutes, misappropriation of funds and approving of withdrawal of funds, contrary to the provisions of section 138 of the Public Finance Management Act.

Dr. Bor was the Chairman of the County Government Committee, formed for the utilisation and distribution of funds.

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM)-In-Charge of Health Services, Brenda Bii, has also been accused of abuse- of- office, misappropriation of funds, non-disclosure of information, and accountability, while the Finance and Economic Planning CECM, Leonard Ngetich, has been accused of approval of withdrawal of funds, violating provisions of the law.

The Committee led by Chairman, Moses Rotich, recommended removal from office of the County Chief Officer-In- of the Executive Office of Governor, Alphonse Rotich, for forgery, abuse and violation of procurement rules and procedure, while the County Chief Finance Officer, Gilbert Bii, was accused of professional negligence and breach of procurement laws.

In the Report, the Committee accused the County Chief Officer Lands, Housing, Physical Planning, and Housing, Betsy Chebet, of non-disclosure of information and accountability, perjury, and misuse of funds.

The Ad-hoc Committee observed that a total of Sh 14,589,624, was raised to be distributed equally to all the Londiani accident victims, including families of 52 persons who lost their lives and the 77 causalities who sustained injuries.

Addressing the Press after the Session, the Ad-hoc Committee Chair, Moses Rotich, exuded confidence that they had delivered justice to the victims, by conducting a rigorous investigation and called on Governor Mutai, to act on the recommendations by weeding out the corrupt officials from his Administration.

“We hope the recommendations of this Report will be fully implemented for the betterment of our County and the sake of the victims of the Londiani accident,” stressed Mr Rotich.

Courtesy ; K. N. A