We are not spendthrifts, governors say in defence

Kisii Governor James Ongwae speaks at the Governors meeting at the Kenya School of Government yesterday where they had been called to discuss county budgets. [PHOTO: GEORGE MULALA/STANDARD]

BY ALLY JAMAH

Kenya: Governors have challenged what they term as “propaganda” that portrays them as irresponsible spendthrifts interested in lavish spending rather than serving the people.

Speaking Wednesday in Nairobi, they rubbished allegations that they were engaging in luxurious lifestyles, purchasing “luxurious cars” for themselves and their county executives despite their spirited call of underfunding from the central government.

The Council of Governors Chairman Isaac Ruto, who is also the Bomet Governor, said it was unfair for critics to make noise when governors purchase vehicles for themselves and their teams to enable them work properly.

“Why should people make a fuss when governors and their teams are given vehicles from the county coffers to enable them do their work properly? Propaganda is being used by opponents of devolution to discredit us and the devolved system of governance,” he claimed.

He said while other Government officials in the counties like the County Commissioners have Government vehicles that are fuelled and maintained by the taxpayers, most governors and their executive teams are still driving their own vehicles.

Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana said he is still using a Toyota pick-up to transact official business.

Last week, it emerged that Kisumu County is set to purchase a fleet of Toyota Prados for the Executive at a cost of Sh72 million. In the county’s executive development expenditure estimates passed by the assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee, the money is to be allocated for the purchase of 12 vehicles. Another Sh15 million is to be set aside for the operational cost for the posh vehicles.

Bungoma County Governor Ken Lusaka termed as “malicious propaganda” that he has allocated Sh50 million to fight pornography in his county, saying there is no such thing.

Malicious propaganda

“That report is being circulated widely to make me look like I am irresponsible and unaware of the priorities. I am very clear what my county needs and propaganda will not dissuade us from doing our work,” he said.

Kiambu Governor William Kabogo said reports that Governors are swimming in money were farthest from the truth. He said on the contrary, they are frustrated that salaries of employees will swallow up the money that will be sent to the counties from the National Government.

“Officials from the Central Government are giving the impression that they are giving us a lot of money. But the reality is we are just being used as payrolls to pay all the Government workers that have now been transferred to the counties. Some counties will not even have any money to deliver critical services,” he said.

Governor Ruto also denied reports that during their meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta last week, they demanded to be given diplomatic passports, fly official flags on their cars and be allowed fully paid foreign trips twice a year.