CC condemns corruption, asks public officers to embrace integrity

Kapenguria,

Friday, October 20, 2023

KNA by Richard Muhambe

West Pokot County Commissioner (CC), Apollo Okello, has cautioned residents against falling prey to corruption, noting that they stand to lose money to emerging conmen masquerading as public officials, offering essential government services.

Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Makutano Stadium, Apollo mentioned that corruption had become so ingrained among Kenyans, paving way for conmen to take advantage.

He revealed that cases of residents being issued with fake birth certificates, have emerged within the County, especially in areas of Kacheliba, blaming it to people believing in bribery.

The CC said some unpatriotic individuals were taking advantage of the culture of corruption among Kenyans to con innocent people, calling on the residents to use the laid down government protocols, when seeking government services.

“We have received information that some people had lost as high as Sh3,000 to some individuals who print to them fake birth certificates. You can now see how corruption has gotten so much entrenched in our society. You only need Sh 150 and you must be given a receipt to get a birth certificate. Most Government services are free,” said Okello.

The CC warned public officers against abetting corruption at their places of work, since they were employed to serve the people without demanding any for favours.

He asked both the National and the County Governments’ employees, to collaborate in serving residents without favour, since that is what will make them heroes.

"We even have some jobseekers think that they can bribe so as to be employed. That is not how government officers are employed," he insisted.

Meanwhile, the CC called on all leaders in the region to practice caution during public speeches, to avoid creating tension among neighbouring communities.

Okello mentioned that there have been cases of community tension along the county borders, asking area leaders to engage in peace talks instead of chest thumping.

“We have been enjoying a peaceful co-existence with our neighbours from Turkana but it seems after elections, conflicts have emerged,” said Okello.

He also asked communities living along the border with Uganda to embrace peace, noting that livestock farmers from Kenya most of the time migrate to the neighbouring country, to feed their animals.

Area Governor Simon Kachapin echoed similar sentiments and called on fellow leaders to practice restraint when talking about the conflicts along the borders.

“We should focus on living peacefully since we are all Kenyans and we have the right to stay anywhere within the country. Some of us, we come from here, but we own property in other areas and we are accepted,” he advised.

He called for community engagements on peace, regretting the tensions that were being reported along the borders.

Other leaders present during the occasion included the county Senator Julius Murgor, Woman Representative Rael Kasiwai and Kapenguria Legislator Samuel Moroto

Courtesy; KNA