Governor questioned as EACC steps up investigations into Sh100M airstrip project

Kericho Governor Paul Chekwony. [Photo: Standard]

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has stepped up its probe into the alleged flawed tendering process of the Sh100M Kerenga Airstrip rehabilitation program.

EACC's communication officer Yasin Amaro, yesterday disclosed that Kericho governor Paul Chepkwony had been questioned and recorded a statement at the EACC headquarters in Nairobi.

“The governor was summoned and appeared at Integrity Centre in Nairobi where he recorded a statement over the Kerenga Airstrip rehabilitation program,” he said.

On August 7, the EACC investigators raided the County Government procurement offices and carted away crucial files touching on the airstrip project.

Governor Chepkwony however has vowed to press on with the project, which has met resistance form Belgut constituency Member of Parliament Nelson Koech, on where the airstrip is located.

In his signed letter to Dominic Rono, the Speaker of the County Assembly, Chepkwony stated that his administration will launch the construction of the airstrip to bitumen standard on Friday.

But in a quick rejoinder, Members of County Assembly (MCAs) led by Kapsoit ward representative Paul Chirchir pointed out that the airstrip expansion program was a national government function under the fourth schedule of the constitution.