This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
On August 23, 2019, a shocking scandal rocked the Kisumu County government, with a former personal assistant to a county executive member being kicked out of Prosperity House.
The assistant, Kenneth Gwako, was attached to Executive Member Alice Moraa, who oversees energy and industrialisation. However, Gwako's tenure came to an abrupt end after his boss discovered that he had been involved in massive graft at the establishment.
According to sources, Gwako was sent packing after it was revealed that he had been using his position to swindle members of the public, promising them employment in exchange for hefty kickbacks.
One victim, a person living with a disability, allegedly gave Gwako Sh450,000 to secure a job that never materialised. Another youth was on the verge of committing suicide after parting with Sh750,000 to secure a contract that never came to fruition.
County Secretary Olango Onudi attempted to cover up the scandal by sending a circular warning Gwako to stay away from Prosperity House. The letter, dated July 17, 2019, alleged that Gwako was conducting himself as a county employee while using his position to swindle the public.
However, observers have questioned the motives behind Onudi's actions, suggesting that he may be covering up the misdeeds of Moraa and Gwako, who jointly executed the corrupt schemes.