On 10 September, West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo and his Deputy Governor Nicholas Atudoyang are set to appear before the Senate Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations committee to answer questions regarding the deputy's salary.
The summons comes after residents of West Pokot petitioned Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei to advise the deputy governor to return and resume his duties without fail, or they would stop paying him.
According to the Auditor General's 2017-2018 report on the financial operations of the county executive, the issue of the deputy's salary was first flagged.
However, Governor Lonyangapuo has denied the allegations, stating that his deputy was away taking care of a sick family member and that he has been coming and going, contradicting claims that he has been away for two years.
The issue has sparked outrage among West Pokot residents, who claim that the deputy governor has been pocketing their money while away in the US.
Published on 30 August 2019.
