This archive report was first published on 24 August 2020.
Raila Defends ODM Position on KEMSA Graft Allegations, Calls for Audit ¶
ODM leader Raila Odinga has come out to defend his party's position on the Ksh 43 billion graft allegations at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA). In a statement issued on Monday, Odinga insisted that a special audit be conducted first to determine the truth behind the allegations.
As matters stand now, none of the people taking to the podium or social media to condemn theft of funds has any evidence, Odinga said. The so-called condemnations of theft could well be part of a cover-up, he added.
According to Odinga, the ODM party would not defend anyone, including members or relatives and friends of its officials, found to have benefitted from funds and other resources meant for fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and Suna East MP Junet Muhamed engaged in an exchange of words on social media after Odinga's statement. Junet supported his party leader, saying that the ODM members are also calling for an exhaustive audit that produces incontrovertible evidence to make a watertight case against anyone found culpable.
Junet asked what Tangatanga was calling for, tagging Murkomen and Ahmednassir Abdullahi aka The Grand Mullah. Murkomen responded by calling for Junet's immediate resignation and arrest, saying he waited for his fellow suppliers to meet him in the corridors of justice.
Junet told Murkomen off, pointing an accusing finger towards him and saying that he did not want to lose his head and get rattled like he did when he was mentioned in the NYS scandal.
Murkomen didn't stop there, directly engaging the ODM party leader on the same issue. He said it was strange that no Jubilee leader in the National Assembly or Senate had come out to defend the KEMSA COVID-19 heist, not even Tuju. Ironically, ODM Party Leader and SG were busy outdoing each other as to who could give the best defense to the looters.
ODM's Secretary General Edwin Sifuna had earlier called for an audit to ascertain whether COVID-19 funds had been stolen. He accused the media of sensationalizing the matter, saying initial reports of wrongdoing can come from any source.
It is our position as a party that it would be best for the procurement of all COVID-related items by KEMSA to be subjected to an audit, Sifuna said. It is from the audit that we can see recommendations for investigation and prosecution of individuals. It's only an audit that can ascertain the veracity of some of these claims.
Published on August 24, 2020, at 4:52 PM EAT.
