Stop stealing public funds, Lusaka warns officers

BUNGOMA, KENYA: Governor Ken Lusaka has urged his officers to serve the people of Bungoma with diligence, and stop engaging in corruption.

The Governor said it was discouraging for some officers to take an oath only for them to steal public money a few months later in office.

"When you fail to serve the public, you're cursing your children. And any officer engaging in dirty deals will carry his or her own cross," said the Governor.

He said this on Friday during the swearing in of Aruput Isaac Juma as the Chief Officer for Livestock & Fisheries. He replaces Jacob Okisegere, who passed on in 2015.

Deputy Governor Hillary Chongwony observed that the county government had made great strides in turning around the fortunes of Bungoma, ranging from roads, agriculture, education, health, among others.

Born in 1969, Mr Juma went to Alliance High School between 1986 and 1989. Later, the father of four joined Egerton University, where he studied Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

Since his graduation to date, Mr Juma has taught in four secondary schools: Chesamisi Boys High School, Bokoli Boys High School, Ingotse High School and, currently, Lwandeti DEB Secondary School.

"I am (very) delighted. This is a turning point in my life. I thank Governor Lusaka and the county for identifying me for this job. They picked the right man; I'll serve the county and the people of Bungoma diligently," he said.

The new chief officer was accompanied by his wife Anne Aruput.