Last week, Bomet County Assembly members voted to demand action against 18 officers accused of Sh1.573 billion fraud. The assembly’s decision compels Governor Hillary Barchok and the County Public Service Board (CPSB) to act within two weeks. The targeted officials were named by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
The EACC report accuses these officials of violating multiple laws. They allegedly misused public funds by directing payments to companies owned by themselves, family, or associates. They are also in accusations of approving payments for poor-quality work or nonexistent services.
Ernest Rotich Kipkemoi, the Mogogosiek Ward Representative, sponsored the motion. He praised the assembly’s earlier action of impeaching three County Executive Committee (CEC) members. Kipkemoi said it set a strong accountability precedent. He urged the governor and CPSB to take swift action.
Kipkemoi warned that if the CPSB does not act in time, the governor has the power to make the officers step aside. “The Sh1.573 billion loss shows collusion among senior and junior officers. All involved should step aside during the investigation,” he stated. Longisa Ward MCA Stephen Changmorik, who seconded the motion, also called for both legal and administrative action.
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