Wambora: Political rivals to blame for my downfall

By Kurian Musa

Nairobi, Kenya: Ousted Embu Governor Martin Wambora defended himself even as the Senate confirmed his impeachment, effectively sending him home.

Wambora, who was elected on TNA ticket, blamed his woes on political and tribal scheming by rivals in Alliance Party of Kenya (APK), and his move to block payments approved by Embu Members of County Assembly (MCAs).

In an interview with The Standard a day before his removal he insisted the accusations of procurement irregularities were baseless and that he fell out with MCAs after blocking hefty allowances.

He said the county procurement committee conducted competitive tendering for the maize seeds that cost approximately Sh3.5 million.

Minutes of a Tender Committee show that Tekagro General Stores, Farmers Agrovet, Ukulima Agrovet Services, Farmlink Enterprise and Murimi Mwaro Agrovet took part in the tendering.

Specific dealer

According to the minutes, M/S Ukulima Agrovet won the tender for being the lowest evaluated bidders and for being the only appointed dealers of DK8031 maize seeds, recommended for planting season by agriculture experts.

“The seeds were required as a matter of urgency and the county secretary set up a team of officers to ensure fair distribution to targeted farmers on time,” Wambora said in reference to the departmental committee findings.

On tendering of motor vehicles he argued: “I am the only governor who tendered the motor vehicle purchase in the country. A recommendation had been given by the national government to purchase from certain firms but we opted to follow the constitutional requirements.”