Vihiga Governor, MCAs plan another costly retreat

Vihiga County Governor Wilber Ottichilo. [File, Standard]

Governor Wilber Ottichilo and MCAs have planned another new year retreat in Eldoret.

In a letter sent to County Executive Committee Members and their chief officers, the County Secretary directs them to arrange for per diems for their respective departments in support of the retreat.

The new development comes when the county administration is yet to account for Sh7 million that was used in another retreat in April last year.

The Governor and his MCAs will be heading for a third retreat since they took office.

“You are kindly invited to attend a bonding retreat between the Executive and the Members of the County Assembly from January 3-6, 2019 in Eldoret,” part of the communication reads.

Last year, the governor had a frosty relationship with MCAs that led to the impeachment of three of his County Executive Committee Members.

Marita Agufana (Sports), Felistus Barasa (Education) and Alfred Indeche (Finance) and their respective chief officers were impeached following accusations of fraud, but were reinstated later by the court.

Ms Agufana was accused by the assembly of hiding Sh18 million in a secret account, money that was supposed to be used in organising a sports tournament in the county.

The governor recently shuffled his cabinet.