This archive report was first published on 10 July 2020.
Published on July 10, 2020, Migori County's allocation of Sh4.1 million for coffins in its 2020/21 budget has raised eyebrows among residents, who question the decision's timing and purpose.
According to sources, the allocation was approved by the county assembly despite concerns over its legitimacy. Residents claim that the allocation is suspicious, especially as the country grapples with soaring cases of Covid-19.
Some residents have expressed skepticism over the allocation, stating that families have been taking care of their relatives' funerals without any financial support from the county government. 'The question we are all asking is how many coffins they are planning to buy with that amount and how many deaths they have projected,' an MCA who sought anonymity said.
County officials have defended the allocation, claiming that it is meant to support any staff that may lose their lives during the financial year. However, the report by the Budget and Appropriation Committee failed to address the controversies surrounding the allocation.
Chairperson of the Migori County Residents Association, David Ogindi, stated that locals have been questioning how the allocation will be spent. 'During public participation exercise, the issue of plans to allocate money for purchasing coffins never came up but we are surprised to learn that it was included,' he said.
County officials have maintained that the allocation is not related to Covid-19, but rather a precautionary measure to support families in need. However, the decision has sparked widespread criticism and raised questions over the county's priorities.
