By Robert Nyasato
Workers at the Kisii Municipal Council want Prime Minister Raila Odinga to intervene in a case in which Sh25 million meant for Kazi Kwa Vijana Programme was allegedly misappropriated.
Through the local Kenya Local Government Workers Union (KLGWU), the workers protested that there was deliberate attempt to shield senior staff implicated in the alleged scam.
They wondered why no action had been taken against them three months after investigation was completed.
In a press statement signed by KLGWU Branch Secretary Thomas Gwaro, the union said officials from the premier’s office, ministries of Finance and Local Government conducted an audit on the funds and findings handed over to Deputy Prime Minister and Local Government Minister Musalia Mudavadi.
"What was the purpose of the probe if the findings cannot be acted upon, yet the implicated officials are still in office enjoying protection from those expected to discipline them?" asked the union in the statement dated September 10.
Detriment of youth
Gwaro said bank accounts of the kitty in question remain frozen to the detriment of youth who were meant to benefit from the programme.
"This was a noble Government initiative, but a few individuals turned it into a cash cow," Gwaro said.
The union called for immediate removal of the staff implicated in the financial scam from office to facilitate prosecution. "We urgently need quick intervention from the PM’s office to end this impunity being perpetrated by these officials," Gwaro added.
Police also conducted separate investigation into the scam at the civic body.
Local DCIO Issa Mohamed, who led the probe, said investigation had been widened to Nairobi.
"We have gathered credible evidence and are likely to charge those involved soon," Mr Mohammed told The Standard when contacted.
