Bungoma county residents have appealed to the national government to set aside 1000 acres of land from the 9000 acres that host Nzoia Sugar Company and build a medical university.

Benard Wangamati who is a medic from Boston in the United States of America said that he is willing to bring investors once the government which has shares in the said sugar factory agrees to lay aside a thousand acres of land.

He noted that there are various medical practitioners from Bungoma who are attached in renowned universities like Harvard and running different medical related projects across the world who are willing to cheap in.

Bernard, who aspires to run for the member of parliament seat for Kabuchai constituency in 2027 went ahead to ask the western  political leaders instead of asking the incoming government for top seats in the government like cabinet secretaries, they should push for the agenda of having a medical school in Bungoma county to materialize.

“Those top seats end up benefiting only a few people but when a medical school is set up, it will create employment opportunities for many people,” he said.

He went ahead to ask Bungoma county governor Wycliffe Wangamati, if reelected, to introduce scholarship for the bright students from the county to go out to the countries whose health system is of high caliber like the United States to study medicine in different fields and have a contract with the county in that when done, they come back and serve the people for at least three years.

On politics, Bernard who declared an interest for Kabuchai parliamentary seat said that he is set to join the race in 2027 and went ahead to ask the residents to elect a visionary leader who has their interests at heart.

The post Government Urged to Set up a Medical School in Bungoma appeared first on Daily Trends.

Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has been cleared to defend his seat in the upcoming August 9, 2022 general election.

This is despite the recent claims that he may be barred by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for appointing his running mate Sitati Nangalama, a state officer who did not resign on time.

This forced Wangamati to land on another option, Evans Wekesa as his running mate.

Speaking at the IEBC offices in Bungoma town, Wangamati who could not hide his joy rubbished the rumors that had been going round that he may not be cleared.

He called out his opponents to brace themselves for a very tough battle and also asked them to conduct their campaigns in peace.

“There have been rumors going around that I won’t be cleared but today I have been cleared and am now prepared to move forward. I urge every person who is seeking to be elected on any seat to conduct their campaigns in peace because Kenya is bigger than anyone and it will have to go on after the 9^th of August so let us demonstrate peace,” he said.

Tongaren MP Dr. David Eseli who was also present called out the Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetangula to stop misleading the people of Bungoma by imposing leaders on them saying that he can choose where to take his one vote but let the people choose the leaders that they want.

The DAP-K party leader Wafula Wamunyinyi also condemned Wetangula for the remarks he made while escorting the senate speaker Ken Lusaka who was presenting his papers to the IEBC on 5^th where he said that his team is ready to get physical during this campaign when need arises.

“We are not going to be shaken by any threats and if anyone thinks that he can engage in violence during this period then he should look for people who can condone that and not us. We as DAP-K and AZIMIO One Kenya coalition at large, we advocate for peaceful campaign period and elections,” he said

The post IEBC Clears Governor Wangamati To Defend His Bungoma Seat appeared first on Daily Trends.

Women have continued to shine as many of them have been considered in this year’s elections as running mates.

Just days after Narc Kenya party leader Martha Wangari Karua being picked as AZIMIO LA UMOJA flag bearer Raila Amolo Odinga’s presidential running mate, many governor aspirants have continued to unveil female running mates.

Jenipher Chemtai Mbatiany was on Wednesday May 18, 2022 selected as the running mate for the senate speaker Kenneth Lusaka who is eyeing the Bungoma gubernatorial seat on a Ford Kenya party ticket.

Speaking at Ken Lusaka command center,Jenipher who was overwhelmed by joy said that she didn’t see it coming considering she was the only woman among men who were eyeing for that position as the deputy governor should Lusaka manage to unseat the incumbent Wycliffe Wangamati.

“The search for a suitable running mate has been vigorous and am sincerely happy and humbled by the speaker for finding me fit for that position, I am eternally grateful and am going to hit the road running, I am going to deliver,” she said

Speaker Lusaka congratulated her noting that she is a dedicated, fearless, resilient woman of God and her contribution will affect the team positively.

He went ahead to ask those who were competing for the position but did not merit to stay put saying that there is more within the executive and the whole government assuring them that if he takes over the county government, they will be considered for other positions.

Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama who was also present backed Lusaka’s decision on settling on a woman as his running mate saying that he has demonstrated equity by making it clear that women are also good managers and able to handle huge leadership positions.

“You have broken the gist and we appreciate the fact that you have practiced inclusivity and making sure that the women are included and that they are fit for leadership positions and that our women are equal to the task to manage the people of Bungoma,”he said.

Tranzoia County hopeful and former Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya on Friday May 13, 2022 also picked a female running mate.

Natembeya unveiled Mrs. Philemona Bineah Kapkor as his choice for deputy governor at an event held at Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) headquarters located at Chui House, Nairobi.

Philomena is a banker and Natembeya believes her experience and expertise will help the Tans Nzoia County grow should he clinch the county’s topmost seat.

Justina Wamae on Monday May 16, 2022 presented her papers to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as running mate to Roots Party Presidential aspirant George Wajackoyah.

Wamae was accompanied by Adam ‘otto’ Kadernani the Roots Party Secretary General and party leader Wajackoyah.

In an earlier interview with a local media station Wamae, 35, claimed that she will take her first puff of bhang on their inauguration day if they clinch the country’s top seat in the August, 9 general elections.

In February, Wajackoyah officially launched his State House bid with a promise to legalize bhang and suspend the constitution within the first six months.

The post Win For Women As They Continue Being Considered As Running Mates appeared first on Daily Trends.

Senate speaker Kenneth Lusaka who is also a gubernatorial aspirant in Bungoma county has officially launched a football tournament dubbed Ken Lusaka cup football tournament.

The tournament is aimed at promoting and mentoring talents.

Speaking while officially unveiling the tournament at Kufwela command center in Milimani, Bungoma, Lusaka who is vying on a Ford Kenya ticket said that he had started the program as a way of involving and nurturing the youths who have talents in sports, when he was the County’s governor in 2013-2017.

He noted that he has decided to bring back the program as he seeks to unseat the incumbent Wycliffe Wangamati of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K).

“We have launched this tournament and it is set to take around one and a half months and it is going to involve all the youths from every ward across the county,” he said.

The senate speaker went ahead to note that the initiative will aim at helping the youths to invest their time on practicing and building on their talents instead of involving themselves in unproductive activities like being used to cause havoc and destruction during this campaign period.

He further asked the youths who will participate in the tournament to make it friendly and not to promote hatred among themselves.

Lusaka also said that he looks forward to bringing coaches on board to train those who emerge stars so that some of them can join big teams in the country.

David Kalamu who is in charge of Lusaka’s tournament said that the games are going to help in national cohesion by bringing together different tribes to participate in one thing.

He also said that the scouts are being sent in every constituency in the county to identify those with talents in sport and bring them on board to participate in those games and after the games, there are many youths that will benefit from them.

“It is not the first time this tournament is being introduced by the speaker, they used to be there when he was the governor and am happy that it is being reintroduced again and Bungoma being bedrock of sports, many youths will shine,” he said

The post Lusaka Launches Program To Keep The Youth Busy During Campaigns, Tame Violence appeared first on Daily Trends.

Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has today unveiled the 7000 beneficiaries of governor’s scholarship 5^th cohort 2022.

At an event that was conducted at Masinde Muliro grounds Webuye, Wangamati said that the county officials participated in visiting the beneficiaries’ homes to make sure that the scholarship is awarded to the most deserving students in the county who are bright and genuinely needy.

In his speech Wangamati said that the county government had initially targeted 3000 students but following the good performance from the needy students, they decided to increase the number to 7000 so as to enable bright but needy students to get their education equally like other children.

He went ahead to note that the program was initiated in 2017 and the pioneering class sat for their examinations in 2022, which 500 students who were beneficiaries sat for their exams and so far, the results received are from 281 students all with good grades.

One Tatiana Wabwire from South Bukusu ward Kimatuni village who scored an A after benefitting from the scholarship 2017 and heading to Pangani girls high school expressed her joy saying that coming from a struggling family, she didn’t know how the fate of her education would be until the program came by.

“I have been raised by partly my grandfather and my single mother after my dad died in 2013 and it was really hard for me through my primary school education and I didn’t know if at some point I will be standing here with these grades, thanks to governor Wangamati’s scholarship that saw me through my high school education,” said Tatiana

Wangamati went ahead to warn his competitors to stop politicizing everything saying that his scholarship is only for the needy students and not the rich as alleged by his competitors.

“You people send me in the office as the second governor, to go and work and as you can see, I have delivered and I have the receipts for that unlike my competitors, so I want them to come with the receipts not empty talks,” he said

The post Governor Wangamati Unveils 7000 Beneficiaries Of The 5th Cohort Of His Scholarship Program appeared first on Daily Trends.

Bungoma County health workers have threatened to down their tools should the Wycliffe Wangamati-led government fail to address their concerns.

They have called out the county government for alleged negligence saying that it has failed to keep the promises that they made to them during the past industrial action.

The county government had promised to address the issues that the nurses were facing but since then nothing has happened.

Speaking to the press in Bungoma town on Tuesday, the secretary general of Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Bungoma branch George Barasa said that the county government during the past industrial action promised to look into the issues that the nurses were facing including the payment of enhanced risk allowance for all the nurses in the county, promoting the redesignation of  nurses and confirmation of those who have been employed on permanent terms of service but it is yet to be done.

“As the hospitals across the county continue to suffer with a shortage of nurses, the county government is just quiet yet they even conducted an interview in November last year and the county public service board is yet to produce the results of that particular exercise.

“There are even some of our staffs who have exited service and there is no replacement hence making the services in health facilities very bad,” he said

Barasa went ahead to say that the county government has been having meetings with them but nothing is being generated from those meetings since their issues have never been addressed.

“We are asking them as the union in this county, we want them to implement this issues that we have agreed with them fully, and we are saying the word is fully because the count time for 14 days that we are issuing this strike starts today, once this notice elapses, members will pull out of the service and we won’t be having services in public facilities,” he said

The post Looming Crisis As Bungoma Health Workers Threaten To Down Tools appeared first on Daily Trends.

Deputy President William Ruto has suffered a major blow after Bungoma Deputy Governor Charles Kibanani Ngome ditched the United Democratic Party (UDA) and reunited with his boss Governor Wycliffe Wangamati in Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K).

Speaking at the party’s headquarters at Chui house, Professor Ngome noted that the invasion of Moses Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya in UDA has caused havoc and confusion.

“I joined UDA so that I can unseat Wetang’ula from the senatorial seat but Ford Kenya uniting with UDA brought confusion in the party since I was told that Wetang’ula is my boss. How can my boss be the same person that I am competing with? It doesn’t make sense,” he said.

Ngome went ahead to say that he is so focused to oust Wetang’ula and it should be known to him that as much as he joined UDA, he is not going to step down to pave way for him and instead he is coming on DAP-K party and come 9^th of August, the people of Bungoma will decide.

“Why can’t Wetang’ula emulate his counterpart Mudavadi, he is aiming higher positions and not vying for any seat but for him, he is busy vying for the same seat over and over again,” he said.

This also comes after Ngome being at loggerheads with his boss on what was termed as frustrations in his office but it is a reprieve for Wangamati as they now reunite under one party pulling their weight behind each other.

Ngome was welcomed by the DAP-K party leader Wafula Wamunyinyi and the party patron Eugine Wamalwa.

The post Blow To DP Ruto As Bungoma DG Dumps UDA For DAP-K appeared first on Daily Trends.

Bungoma MCAs led by the majority leader Joseph Nyongesa have today endorsed Senate speaker Ken Lusaka for the county’s top seat.

The MCAs say that the county’s first governor has what it takes to put Bungoma county in a good place once again.

Speaking at the Ken Lusaka command Centre in Bungoma town, the 35 MCAs said they will support Lusaka since he is capable of reviving the economy and the normal functioning of Bungoma county.

The County has a total of 45 wards in its 9 constituencies.

Lusaka is set to be received officially by Ford Kenya as the party’s gubernatorial aspirant on 11^th March at Bungoma Posta grounds.

The majority leader Joseph Nyongesa said that they will pull their weight behind Lusaka and support him fully to see him win the elections come 9^th of August this year.

His sentiments were echoed by Elizabeth Tindi, Tongaren MCA saying that during Lusaka’s regime, the number of bags of fertilizers distributed to the farmers was 700 and now it is only 300 saying that the county is directing the funds that are meant to help the residents on unimportant things.

Lwandanyi MCA Tony Barasa also campaigned for Lusaka saying that many projects have stuck since Governor Wycliffe Wangamati took over.

He noted that it is just wise for the people of Bungoma to vote in Lusaka for the second time so that he can come in and finish the projects that he started as the first governor of Bungoma.

“Many projects have stalled since Wangamati came in and we are certain that Lusaka is coming to complete them”, he said.

The MCAs said that they have resolved to spread the gospel to every resident of Bungoma county and with that, they are set to have several rallies in every subcounty.

The post Bungoma MCAs Endorse Speaker Lusaka For County’s Top Seat appeared first on Daily Trends.

Bungoma deputy governor Professor Charles Kibanani Ngome has called out Senator Moses Wetangula to stop misleading Bungoma County residents in matters related to politics.

Addressing residents of Bungoma County, Prof Ngome said Wetang’ula is unable to choose a side to support but only keeps jumping from one side to another to fulfill his own interests.

He noted that in 2017 Wetang’ula supported Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and during the campaign, he was against senate speaker Kenneth Lusaka saying he was very corrupt and was not the right person for Bungoma.

Wetang’ula has declared his support for Speaker Lusaka in the race for Bungoma gubernatorial seat.

Lusaka was defeated by Wangamati in the 2017 polls.

Ngome said that Wetangula is doing things targeting at his own interests and not the interests of the people of Bungoma and he should therefore be cancelled completely.

“The big problem that is leading to Wetangula’s fallout with other Bungoma politicians is none other than money related and that is why Wetangula must go for Bungoma to change. If we were to follow what he wanted, this county could not have been where it is right now. The dual carriage and scholarship projects could have not taken place,” he said

He went further to call upon those who haven’t registered as voters to use the second opportunity that is starting today 17^th to February 6^th saying that it will give them an opportunity to choose the leaders of their choice.

The post Bungoma DG Prof Ngome Tears Into Wetangula, Exposes His Darkest Side appeared first on Daily Trends.

Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has been called out by Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to stop using his power to humiliate every one who goes against his political wishes.

While addressing a press conference at the County Assembly of Bungoma on Friday January 14, 2022, Ndivisi ward MCA Martin Wanyonyi said that Wangamati had earlier on instructed goons to keep the county Deputy governor’s office closed denying him access because he had chosen a different political direction.

Wanyonyi reminded the county boss that every Kenyan has his/her own right to support candidates of their choice, under any political party.

He went further to note that the county is investing a lot of energy towards non-important issues instead of focusing on what’s important for the people of Bungoma.

He touched on the delayed salaries for the casual workers in the county saying that a lot of money was set aside for their salaries but up to now they are yet to be paid and they are still working for the county.

“I am asking the county government of Bungoma to tell us where the money went to. The casuals are not yet paid, instead they are using the money to move around in funerals and cause chaos,” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by his counterpart Tony Barasa, Lwandanyi ward MCA who said that the county stake holders need to get their priorities right.

Barasa said that ksh.136 million was set aside to cater for NHIF cards for the county casual workers but still they are unable to get quality services from the health facilities for the money doesn’t reflect.

He therefore asked the stakeholders to come forward and explain where the money went to.

He also urged village elders and the youths to refuse being used by politicians during this campaign.

The post Bungoma MCAs Put Governor Wangamati On Spot Over Intimidation Claims appeared first on Daily Trends.

Bungoma based businessman cum activist Zachariah Barasa on Monday January 10, 2022 announced that he had joined Deputy President William Ruto’s UDA camp.

The activist will be seeking to unseat the incumbent Bungoma governor Wycliffe Wangamati in the August polls in a UDA ticket.

Flanked by Sirisia member of parliament John Waluke, his Webuye West counterpart Dan Wanyama and Mwambu Mabonga of Bumula at Bungoma Members club, Zachariah expressed his confidence in unseating Wangamati.

The DP Ruto’s lieutenants said that they were ready for the task ahead.

Zachariah criticised Wangamati, noting that Bungoma has not benefited from anything since devolution and now it is time for change and it is only through UDA.

“I have done a lot of consultations before coming to this decision. I have been engaging with the ordinary people of this county and they have advised me to vie on a UDA ticket because the manifesto of the party come in handy with my aspirations for the people of Bungoma,” he said.

Zachariah said that he was positive and confident about UDA, noting that it is the party that’s going to form the next government.

His sentiments were echoed by Waluke who said that Bungoma needs change for those who have been in positions that have not done anything major for the county.

Also present was Bungoma deputy governor Professor Charles Ngome who is also aspiring for the Bungoma senatorial seat which is currently held by the incumbent Moses Wetang’ula .

Ngome vowed to ditch his boss the governor and support any gubernatorial aspirant vying on the United Democratic Alliance [UDA] ticket.

The post Bungoma Businessman Joins UDA, Vows To Give Wangamati A Run For His Money In Race For County’s Top Seat appeared first on Daily Trends.

The government has put smiles on the faces of Nzoia sugar company farmers after writing off the company’s debts in efforts to revive the ailing  sugar sector.

Speaking at Nzoia Guest house on Monday July 21 2020, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya assured the farmers that the government is set to bring the ailing sugar sector back to normalcy and Nzoia sugar will be at the fore front.

Nzoia sugar company has been failing to operate efficiently following the Ksh62 billion debt that has been the major challenge leading to no payment to the farmers and also interference with the normal operations of the company.

The government has written off the debt owed by the millers to allow interested investors who meet the required standards to lease the company.

“Along-term solution is needed for this company to succeed and that’s why we are striving so hard to see it flourish and the farmers benefit fully from it.I am here to assure you farmers that the process of writing off the debt has gone through the cabinet and no one should doubt it ,” said Munya

Munya further noted that the government has opted to allow the leasing of the company but with conditions in that whoever is allowed to lease the company must accept all the workers that were working there before and with their union agreement.

He/she must take the farmers agreement of the sugarcane developments and to make sure the canes are fully absorbed and this will be done together with the county government to make sure that the out growers’ interests are fully taken care of.

His sentiments were echoed by the council of governors’ chairperson, the Kakamega county governor Wycliffe Oparanya who emphasized the same saying that the failing of the company affects the farmers directly not the leaders yet they are the voters.

“I urge all the leaders present and those from within to join hands together to fulfill the urge of reviving this company because these farmers voted us in and we can’t stand seeing them suffer,” he said.

Also present was the Bungoma county governor Wycliffe Wangamati who expressed his joy and satisfaction towards the move that has been taken by the government to bring back Nzoia, noting that the company is so precious to the people of Bungoma and the community around.

Wangamati appreciated the move that was taken to ban importation of sugar and also called for more sensitization on leasing so that it can be understood and dealt with in a proper way.

The post Hope For Cane Farmers as Government Writes Off Nzoia Sugar Miller’s Debts appeared first on Daily Trends.

Two MCAs in Bungoma County are nursing injuries after being clobbered publicly by Governor Wycliffe Wangamati’s security detail.

According to multuiple reports, the two MCAs, Nominated MCA Fred Musebe and his Tongaren ward colleague, Elizabeth Tindi had stormed the governor’s event without being invited.

Reports indicate that governor Wangamati had convened a rally during the launch of an office of the ward administrator.

The situation went south when Tindi took to the podium to tear Wangamati’s development record apart accusing him of sidelining the ward. She was backed by Musebe.

“We Tongaren people are usually very keen before voting as we are straight forward people and if we will not have seen any development from you by 2022 we shall send you home parking,” stated Musebe.

While the latter was giving an address, the officers, who are attached to the security detail of the governor and that of his deputy, Ngome Kibanani, descended on the two leaders and snatched Musebe’s microphone.

The chaos that resulted after the encounter left Musebe and attendees nursing injuries.

The post MCAs Publicly Beaten Like ‘Burukenge’ by Governor Wangamati’s Security Detail appeared first on Daily Trends.

Last year, Bungoma County senator Moses Wetang’ula was on spotlight in the wake of the fake gold scandal. The scandal led to the Ford Kenya party leader’s past dirty deals to resurface.

This led to a re-examination of Wetang’ula’s controversial political career online. Ex-Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant Dr Miguna Miguna posted Wetangula’s top five scams. But was that all?

In December 2019, Wetangula warned Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati over his alleged cartels who had been ‘awarded’ most of the county tenders and contracts.

Wetangula, who spoke to the press at his Kanduyi home in Bungoma town , said the Senate was investigating claims of over Sh100 million fraud in Wangamati’s office.

His claims came amid a looming breakout between Wangamati and his party boss. But what is the genesis of all this?

Well, emerging details have yet again exposed Wetangula’s dirty deals that has led to the fall out with Governor Wangamati.

1)TAX SYSTEM FRAUD

A week after election, Wetang’ula called Governor Wangamati and told him they set a new tax collection system for the County, where every ten shillings collected, 7 bob goes to the County coffers, and 3 bob to a separate account to be managed by Wetang’ula.

This would translate to 30 million on every 100 million collected to be pocketed by Wetang’ula, who claims “this is my Ford Kenya government “. The Bungoma County chief refused.

2)CHOPPER DEMAND

Second demand was to get him a chopper from Russia or Ukraine at 400 million. Governor Wangamati said no.

3)KIBRA BY-ELECTION FRAUD.

After the demise of Ken Okoth, by-elections were called in Kibra, and most political party leaders saw it as an opportunity to flex their muscles. Wetang’ula couldn’t be left out.

Everyone knew the Ford Kenya candidate was a non starter. But the party leader demanded funding for his candidate from the County government. The Governor and his ministers had to fund raise from personal pockets.

• CECs 600k
• Bungoma Majority leader 100k
• DG Trans Nzoia County 50k
• MCAs Trans Nzoia 500k
• Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya 500k
• Ford Kenya MCAs 300k
• Governor Wangamati 1.8m

All these moneys went directly to the party leaders pocket. How many votes did he garner? 200 votes in an election that had 600 party agents in Polling Stations.

4)DEMAND FOR A NEW PRADO

Wetang’ula is said to have sent MPs, MCAs, CECs and even religious leaders to talk to the Governor to buy him a PRADO befitting his status as party leader. It is public knowledge.

When finally the Governor gave in after religious leaders insistence, he uses his attack dogs to claim he was being bribed. All the above mentioned leaders can bear witness that Wetang’ula has send them on several occasions to demand for a PRADO.

5)2MILLION PER MONTH FROM THE GOVERNOR.

Wetang’ula has always told the Governor that he facilitates his political activities to a tune of Ksh 2 million per month. The Governor has been giving him once in a while but not monthly as demanded because the Governors net salary is 950k only.

Last Sunday, he was given the money in pretence that he is going to call a party officials meeting and stop unnecessary wrangles in the County Assembly. He then used the same money to ouster his Majority leader.

Apart from the above long standing demands, he now hates Governor Wangamati with a passion just because he was picked as the Western Coordinator of BBI instead of him.

President Uhuru Kenyatta could not trust him because he was visiting State House during the day, and Sugoi to pick brown envelopes during the night.

Now he blames his Governor for being trusted by the President instead of him, and hence the current wars.

The post Exposed: Wetang’ula’s 5 Dirty Deals That Have Brought Him at War With Governor Wangamati appeared first on Daily Trends.

Bungoma MCAs have been summoned by the Bungoma EACC detectives to give their side of the story over the alleged squandering of money meant to help curb the Covid 19 pandemic.

It is now being alleged that the MCAs received irregular allowances from the jerrycan scandal amounting to Ksh 2 million.

The money which was allegedly given as a donation from the World Health Organization(WHO) is said to have been shared among the MCAs to go slow on the scandal.

Twelve MCAs were on May 13, interrogated and the exercise is set to continue.

According to a Ford Kenya MCA who sort anonymity, the allowances came from the World Health Organization for the purpose of training and sensitizing the public on how to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We were duped to sign for the money knowing that it was the money meant to sensitize on Covid 19,”said the Ford Kenya MCA.

Bungoma county government officials adversely mentioned in the scandal have also been summoned by the EACC together with the six MCAs who did not take illegal allowances to explain what they know about the scandal.

The MCAs who refused to take the allowance are the members of the county assembly health committee who had vowed to investigate the issue and recommend for prosecution of the perpetrators.

The MCAs had asked Bungoma governor Wycliffe Wangamati to clear himself after admitting in one local vernacular station during an interview that indeed money had been misappropriated, by taking legal action against the county officials who had taken part in the embezzlement of funds

The County chief has hence asked the county assembly to cooperate and investigate the matter to the later.

The chairman of the health committee Makari said that there was enough evidence to show that Ksh 11.9 million had been taken from Webuye and Bungoma referral hospital illegally and misappropriated by senior county officials.

Wangamati had earlier on twisted the claims saying that the alleged purchase  600 20-litre jerrycans at Ksh 10,000 each was false peddled by his detractors to undermine his government and efforts.

The chairman of the health committee George Makari, who is the MCA Musikoma ward, vowed to investigate the scandal.

However, anti-riot police chased them away from the county assembly premises where they had planned to carry out their investigation.

County government officials who included Health CEC Antony Walela, his chief officer Patrick Wandela and Bungoma county referral hospital medical superintendent David Kunikina had been summoned before the committee.

Others adversely mentioned include the director for special programs Caro Buyela and the acting chief officer for finance.

The post New Twist in Bungoma Jerrycan Scandal as EACC Digs Deeper, MCAs Summoned appeared first on Daily Trends.

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has demanded documents over suspicious procurement of food and medical equipment—as well as hiking of prices, which have emerged as the most common avenues abused by corrupt county staff to skim off public resources.

A total of six counties are now on EACC radar over alleged misuse of funds meant to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

Among the six Counties is Bungoma, where common jerrycans used for carrying water were bought at Sh10,000 each, Kilifi over the Health ministry’s expenditure and a county in North Eastern Kenya where the probe has just began.

On Sunday, EACC executive officer Twalib Mbarak told a local daily he is focusing on claims of inflated prices, conflict of interest where unscrupulous officials are said to have awarded inflated tenders to relatives and cronies as well as cases where firms are supplying less than the agreed order.

“The expenditure is the most vulnerable where there are county officers who do not have integrity. They are taking advantage of the situation but we are tracking them and they should know that crime doesn’t expire.Even after the pandemic, we still go for them,” Mbarak told the local daily.

Further, the EACC is investigating claims of supply of substandard goods and services, and poor planning by counties, leading to wastage. For example, some county officials are installing too many sanitising jerrycans in public places without water and soap.

The purchases, Mbarak said, awere sanctioned by corrupt officials who detectives suspect are getting fat kickbacks from suppliers who are being picked through direct procurement and single sourcing.

The EACC chief said immediately coronavirus became a crisis, and with counties being deeply involved in mitigating the spread, the agency anticipated that corrupt officials could take advantage to steal public resources.

Yesterday, however, Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua defended county officials against accusations of using the pandemic to misappropriate funds, saying their actions were guided by Gazette Notice Number 53 signed on April 2 on asset disposal.

However, according to multiple sources, direct procurement and single sourcing which had been allowed since the pandemic broke, had opened avenues for corrupt officials including governors, to dish out business to their cronies and relatives.

The tenders mostly involve supply of foodstuff, medical supplies and equipment to promote hygiene such as hand washing containers and sanitisers and expenditure in health departments. 

To this effect, EACC sent a circular to Council of Governors chief executive Jacqueline Mogeni and copied it to Council of Governors chair Wycliffe Oparanya, asking counties to ensure corruption loopholes are sealed. 

“The commission will be keenly monitoring the utilisation and management of public resources by all county governments and State agencies to avert any loss or misuse of public resources during the current extra ordinary period,” said Mbarak’s letter, copied to the Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua.

But it appears the advice was ignored and some counties, which have been announcing that they had set aside millions to fight the pandemic by equipping hospitals, promoting hygiene and donation of food, are taking advantage of the virus to siphon public funds.

For instance, Bungoma county headed by Governor Wyclife Wangamati, allegedly bought 600 20-litre jerrycans at Sh10,000  each to distribute to residents in a hand washing drive, and the EACC boss said there are similar reports from other counties. 

In the Amason Kingi-led Kilifi county, Mbarak said they were probing tendering transactions in the Health department, noting that they had asked for relevant documents to facilitate investigations.

The North Eastern county, which Mbarak did not name, is said to have drafted a Sh450 million budget to fund Covid-19 activities, but according to the EACC chief, the itemisation does not make sense and could be a ploy to facilitate theft.

The post Wangamati’s Ksh 10,000 Jerrycan Return to Haunt Him as EACC Launches Probe, Goes For Other 6 Governors appeared first on Daily Trends.

Governor Wycliffe Wangamati-led Bungoma County Government is once again on the spot for procuring mattresses and sterile gloves at a cost of Ksh.10,000 a pair.

This is a move taken by the county as part of its activities to combat Covid-19 that has bow hit the Country.

The allegations of the county procuring mattresses and sterile gloves at an exaggerated price come amid claims that the county chief procured 600 20-litre jerrycans at a cost of Ksh 10,000 each.

Wangamati was early this week put on the spot by Members of County Assembly over the misappropriation of Ksh. 6 million meant to combat COVID-19 in the county.

Speaking to members of the press on Tuesday, the Bungoma County Assembly Health committee accused the County governor Wycliffe Wangamati of sabotaging the probe on the allegations.

This is after senior officials and the county referral hospital superitendant failed to appear before the committee to answer the claims.

The committee chair Mr. George Makari expressed his disappointment after the committee secretariat was ordered not to appear for the grilling further accusing the house leadership of conspiring to cover up the scandal.

MCAs Tony Khaoya, Joseph Maguda and Aggrey Mulongo said the county government was involved and further threatened to initiate an impeachment motion against governor Wycliffe Wangamati.

However, Governor Wangamati on Saturday April 11, 2020 distanced himself from allegations of mismanagement of the said funds.

Addressing members of the press at the county offices, governor Wangamati expressed his disappointment over the issue terming it as inaccurate and misleading.

He went ahead to refute the claims clarifying that the county government distributed 368 120- litre jerrycans that were donated to them by well wishers and friends of the county to a few markets in the county.

“Let it be known that we don’t have 600 Jerry cans out there,we have 368 which were donated in a few markets and other public places. Let it also be known that the Jerrycans in question are not 20 litre,they are 120 litres.

“The 600 are the markets we had earmarked to receive atleast a jerican each. I challenge anybody with evidence to contrary or to effect that any officer in my government paid 10,000 Kenya shillings for a jerrycans to bring it forward or take it to EACC,county assembly and other relevant authorities,”he said.

He further noted that the county has received more donations including an assortment of PPEs,training in kind and sanitizer and also urged friends of goodwill to come in and help.

He called upon people to unite instead of creating scandals where there is none to settle meaningless scores.

The post Jerrycans Aside, Bungoma on The Spot For Procuring Sterile Gloves at Ksh 10,000 a Pair appeared first on Daily Trends.

Bungoma County Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has distanced himself from allegations of mismanagement of funds meant for the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing members of the press at the county offices, governor Wangamati expressed his disappointment over the issue terming it as inaccurate and misleading.

This comes after he was accused of buying 600 20-litre jerrycans each at 10,000 Kenya shillings. The governor went ahead to refute the claims clarifying that the county government distributed 368 120- litre jerrycans that were donated to them by well wishers and friends of the county to a few markets in the county.

“Let it be known that we don’t have 600 Jerry cans out there,we have 368 which were donated in a few markets and other public places. Let it also be known that the Jerrycans in question are not 20 litre,they are 120 litres.

“The 600 are the markets we had earmarked to receive atleast a jerican each. I challenge anybody with evidence to contrary or to effect that any officer in my government paid 10,000 Kenya shillings for a jerrycans to bring it forward or take it to EACC,county assembly and other relevant authorities,”he said.

He further noted that the county has received more donations including an assortment of PPEs,training in kind and sanitizer and also urged friends of goodwill to come in and help.

He called upon people to unite instead of creating scandals where there is none to settle meaningless scores.

“It behooves upon all of us leaders and the people we serve to shelve our narrow interests and keep our eyes on the ball and that’s fighting Corona virus in the county. To the people of Bungoma, treat any information contrary to this as rumours, gossip and ill-will,”he said

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Bungoma County is again on the spotlight for yet another bad reason.

The Bungoma county government is on the spot over the misappropriation of Ksh. 6 million meant to combat COVID-19 in the county.

Speaking to members of the press on Tuesday, the Bungoma County Assembly Health committee accused the County governor Wycliffe Wangamati of sabotaging the probe on the allegations.

This is after senior officials and the county referral hospital superitendant failed to appear before the committee to answer the claims.

The committee chair Mr. George Makari expressed his disappointment after the committee secretariat was ordered not to appear for the grilling further accusing the house leadership of conspiring to cover up the scandal.

MCAs Tony Khaoya, Joseph Maguda and Aggrey Mulongo said the county government was involved and further threatened to initiate an impeachment motion against governor Wycliffe Wangamati.

The MCAs further accused Wangamati of purchasing a total of 600, 20-liter jerrycans at a cost of 10,000 each. If this is true, then this will go down as another grand ripoff by the leadership of Bungoma County.

Currently, a 20-liter jerrican retails between 100 and 120 shillings. This means that the price of each jerrican was inflated by 8250 percent.

Lwandanyi Ward MCA Tony Barasa said that all efforts by a section of MCAs to get answers from the Governor concerning the procurement of the containers have gone unanswered.

The MCAs have also claimed that some of the officials at the county of Bungoma are using the fight against Covid-19 to inflate prices of goods, some of which are not even purchased.

Governor Wangamati and his government are said to have procured the jerricans to help residents of the county maintain hygiene by washing their hands using soap and water to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

This is not the first time for such “funny” scandals to hit Bungoma County. Former Governor, now Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka was accused of purchasing wheelbarrows at the cost of more than 100,000 shillings each.

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