Governor must be accountable, say four MPs

From Left:MP Korei Ole Lemein(Narok South),Moitalel Ole Kenta(Narok North),Senator Stephen Ole Ntutu and Patrick Ntutu(Narok West)at Enarau primary school on April 27,2015 during commissioning of the schools block.The legislators have distanced themselves from alleged clan polictis saying that they were champions of accountability and transparency in the county.PHOTO BY:ROBERT KIPLAGAT/STANDARD

Narok, Kenya: Senator Stephen ole Ntutu and three other MPs opposed to Governor Samuel Tunai have maintained that their differences have nothing to do with clan politics but accountability of revenue from the county's natural resources.

Speaking at Enarau Primary School over the weekend, Mr Ntutu and Moitalel ole Kenta (Narok North), Korei ole Lemein (Narok South) and Patrick Ntutu (Narok West) said their championing for transparency should not be misunderstood.

The legislators, who were recently arrested for allegedly organising demonstrations against Mr Tunai that led to death of one person, said the people had a right to know how their money was being spent by county leaders.

"As leaders and residents of Narok, we have no tribalism or clanism. Why is it that when we ask about poor roads, health services and how revenue from Maasai Mara is being spent, we are branded political warmongers?" asked the senator.

They said their position on corruption in the county would only stop when the county government delivered equitable and quality services to the electorate.

They also praised President Uhuru Kenyatta's bold move to crack the whip on corruption in the country.

The MPs, however, did not take it kindly that the name of their governor, whom they have accused of corruption, was missing from the President's list of shame.

"We thank the President for the move but if the name of Narok's governor is missing, then the list of shame must be fake. Those governors mentioned for corruption must be put in jail once investigations are done," said Mr Kenta.

Ntutu said it was common knowledge that there was corruption in the county but ironically, the name of the county's top leadership was not among them.

The MPs also hinted that they were planning a peaceful demonstration against the governor on April 13 to demand answers to why the killers of Simon Muntet, killed in the last protests, were yet to be arrested.

Local activist and a former contestant for the governor's seat, Ledama ole Lekina, said for the county to prosper, transparency should prevail and any leader found guilty of corruption should be prosecuted.

The governor is on record saying the county has made great strides in terms of development since he was elected, and terming those against him "enemies of development".