Governor forms committee to look into Londiani funds saga

Kericho

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

KNA by Dominic Cheres

Kericho Governor Dr. Eric Mutai has appointed a seven-man committee to probe allegations of embezzlement of the Londiani Accident Fund meant to benefit victims of the June 30, 2023 horror traffic accident that claimed 53 lives and maimed 24 others.

Mutai who spoke for the first time since the embattled Deputy Governor Eng Fred Kirui raised the alleged misappropriation claim said the committee will investigate how the Sh14.5 million raised in the Harambee was shared out amongst the bereaved families.

Dr. Mutai emphasized that the committee had 14 days to hand in the report of their findings to him showing the full details of how the money was disbursed to the deserving beneficiaries.

He said members of the seven-man committee include Johnna Keter (Chairman), Mrs. Jennifer Morusoi, Mrs. Milka Wangare, Bishop Alfayo Omesa, Father Silvester Ng’eno, Advocate Julius Mutai, and Jane Sang.

Dr. Mutai appealed to any member of the public with information concerning the issue to submit a written report to the committee to assist in the investigation.

According to the Governor, the identification process of the victims' families was still ongoing, assuring that all deserving cases would be fully compensated.

Dr. Mutai urged members of the public to ignore reports in social media surrounding the alleged misappropriation of funds for the Londiani victims assuring that he would not leave any stone unturned until the matter has been fully resolved.

“The Committee administering the fund assured me that they are progressively issuing out the money to the victims and families identified and those still in the hospital, they have also indicated to me that there is still money that is yet to be dispatched, which they should pay immediately since the money belongs to the victims and survivors,” he said.

Mutai said hospital bills would be settled by the County government of Kericho, including the medical expenses, treatment of patients, doctors’ fees, and mortuary expenses while assuring the public that no money that should be paid to Londiani Hospital or Kericho County Referral Hospital.

The County CEO further said the Londiani Funds Drive money was not supposed to be used in paying out the hospitality, event organizers, public servants, and tents, stressing that the money was meant to cater for the victims alone.

“Those found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law” added Dr. Mutai

The Deputy Governor Eng. Fred Kirui who has since been at loggerheads with Dr. Mutai, last week while speaking at a burial ceremony in Kipkelion revealed that money raised for the Londini accident victims had been embezzled by the committee headed by the County Secretary Dr. Wesley Bor. 

Eng. Kirui Monday recorded a statement with the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (CID) alleging that the victims had only received Sh 90,000 each, which was far much less than the expected amount.

A total of Sh14.5 million was raised during a funds drive presided over by the Deputy President Mr. Rigathi Gachagua.

Courtesy ; K. N. A