- By Sam Oduor and Tom Lutali
Chekalini Ward MCA, Titus Kwoma, is urging the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to launch investigations into Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa regarding substantial corruption allegations within his office.
During a meeting with the press in his office, the MCA expressed skepticism about the governor’s competence, asserting that Barasa’s administration is marred by pervasive corruption, hindering the county’s growth.
The ward representative cited specific grievances, including the twofold increase in subsidized county fertilizer prices, non-remittance of statutory deductions resulting in staff salary reductions, opaque tendering processes, and an unfair hiring system within Barasa’s administration.
“The subsidized fertilizer prices have doubled to include a 10 percent profit intended for Governor Barasa. He even takes 40 percent of the money paid by farmers, not 10 percent. The deputy procurement officer, Valary Makhiani, lacks the necessary qualifications and even resides in the governor’s residence,” Kwoma alleged.
The MCA further contended that Governor Barasa has strategically aligned himself with the majority of County Assembly Members, stifling their ability to speak out against the alleged malpractices in his administration.
Additionally, Kwoma accused the governor of disproportionately benefiting from 60 percent of tenders issued by the County Government, resulting in a lack of transparency and accountability in the procurement processes.
“It is very unfortunate that Governor Barasa’s regime is failing the Kakamega people. Corruption has become the order of the day in public institutions. It is high time EACC launches an investigation into him,” he said.
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