Leaders condemn county’s plan to buy Prado vehicles

By RUSHDIE OUDIA and DENNIS ONYANGO

Kisumu,Kenya:A section of leaders in Kisumu have condemned the county executive’s bid to purchase a fleet of Toyota Prado vehicles worth Sh72 million.

They described the move as lavish and a waste of taxpayers’ money.

As most leaders condemned the budget, Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma through his Chief of Staff Kennedy Hongo defended his government, saying the executive members needed to be fully equipped to operate well.

“Kisumu is not restricted to the city centre. Most parts are out of reach when you have small vehicles,” said Hongo, adding that Kisumu’s road infrastructure in rural areas is poor and the region is prone to flooding.

Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir said the move would kill devolution as the funds brought down to the county level are not being utilised properly. He pointed out that other counties doing this were also out to derail devolution.

president’s motorcade

He recalled when he was Kisumu mayor and had to forego getting a Mercedes Benz and instead bought a lorry for the good of the town. “I used to drive my Peugeot and even had difficulty keeping up with president’s motorcade when he visited,” said Shabbir.

East Africa Law Society President James Mwamu argued the move was not in line with national values and urged the public to move to court. “It is only the governor who might need a Prado,” Mwamu said.

Mr Vitalis Ogot, chairman of Peace and Reconciliation at St Joseph’s Catholic Church Milimani, warned the leaders will further impoverish the county if they make good their plan.

The executive will now purchase 12 vehicles that will cost Sh72 million after the County Assembly passed the budget estimates on Friday.