This archive report was first published on 1 November 2019.
Published on November 1, 2019
Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o's ally, George Omondi, has found himself at the center of a controversy surrounding the purchase of a second-hand Toyota Land Cruiser.
Omondi, the nominee for Finance and Economic Planning Chief Executive Officer, was grilled by Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) over the vehicle's inflated price, which was allegedly meant to benefit the governor.
During the vetting session held at the Aga Khan Hall, Kondele MCA Joachim Oketch questioned Omondi on the prudence of spending Sh19 million on a second-hand vehicle.
'You were a key member in the county government. You were the acting county secretary and economic adviser to the governor. What did you advise on this V8?' Oketch asked.
Omondi defended himself, stating that the price of the vehicle was being assessed and that only the right amount would be paid for the fuel guzzler.
'I promise to institute investigations and I can assure members that I will not pay for what is not deemed a necessary cost by the government valuers,' he responded.
However, County Director of Communications Alloyce Ager, who is accused of being in cahoots with Nyong'o's allies, argued that the governor has been struggling with transport since he has only one car.
The MCAs also raised concerns over the county's inability to purchase seven ambulances despite being allocated Sh65 million for that purpose.
