Protests rock Bungoma over ‘most expensive wheelbarrow’

Bungoma County Assembly leader of majority Majimbo Okumu and residents looking at the special Wheelbarrow that costs Sh109, 320 at Bungoma town slaughter house. Local leaders and residents want officers involved in the procurement of the 10 Wheelbarrows. PHOTO: TITUS OTEBA/STANDARD

KENYA: Bungoma residents took to the streets to show their displeasure with the news that the county government paid over Sh1 million for ten wheelbarrows.

They said the county government plundered public resources by paying Sh109,320 for each wheelbarrow. Carrying twigs and placards reading, "Lusaka must go for overseeing corrupt dealings" and pushing wheelbarrows, the demonstrators brought business to a standstill in the town.

Meanwhile, Kenyans took to social media with some condemning the incident while others poked fun at it.

The furore caught the attention of the Bungoma senator who is also the Senate Minority Leader Moses Wetang'ula. He said he is contemplating private prosecution of the county officers involved in the scam. Speaking to The Standard Tuesday, Mr Wetang'ula said it was just the tip of the iceberg on mega corruption, fraud, abuse and theft that goes on in the county.

"The best way to save our county is to sue it in a private capacity. Few individuals are 'eating' while many are suffering. This is not acceptable. Let a thorough audit be carried out and the responsible officers sent packing," said Wetang'ula.

Governor Kenneth Lusaka said he has asked the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission to investigate the wheelbarrow saga among other graft claims. Addressing the press in Webuye, he said those involved will carry their own cross and will be charged in court.

"I have been at the forefront fighting graft and any loss of public funds in the county due to misappropriation, compromises service delivery in my government," he said.

He gave the involved parties up to Friday to present a report on how the procurement was done.

Among those he gave the ultimatum were the immediate former Agriculture Executive Patrick Koyi - who has since been moved to the trade docket - procurement officers, the tendering committee and the veterinary department.

But, an officer allegedly involved in the scam, Jacob Okisegere, died two months ago in a road accident.

Governor Lusaka said on learning about the scam, he transferred the concerned executive to another docket to pave way for independent investigations.

OVERNIGHT WEALTH

"Let it be clear that criminal activities such as corruption, ignorance of public procurement procedures will not be tolerated in Bungoma County, and any officer found guilty will face necessary action," said Lusaka.

The county's Ford-Kenya Youth Chairman, Wafula Wakoli, who was among the demonstrators who eventually ended up at the governor's office, said those found culpable should be dealt with for tarnishing the county's image.

"We have seen a number of county officers who were just poor recently owning big cars, businesses and marrying more women yet what they earn is very little. When did they amass the wealth that has helped them be rich overnight?" Mr Wakoli asked.

The demonstrators were later joined by Bungoma County Assembly Majority Leader Majimbo Okumu who led them in storming the county headquarters.

Mr Wakoli and a jua kali artisan called on the county government to give them tenders to procure such wheelbarrows at an affordable price instead. "This is corruption of the highest order. It is barely three months and some of the wheelbarrows are already worn out," he said.