This archive report was first published on 29 November 2019.
Trans Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba is facing pressure to fire his health chief officer, Charles Barasa, over allegations of corruption and failure to pay suppliers and contractors.
The suppliers and contractors have signed a petition to the governor, citing Barasa's failure to pay them their pending bills since he took over from the previous chief officer, Maurice Wakwabubi.
Investigations by Weekly Citizen revealed that Barasa paid the governor's chief of staff, Patrick Simiyu, Sh6 million for supplying goods to the Trans Nzoia Level Four Hospital, while other suppliers' complaints remained unattended.
The suppliers have also written to the Directorate of Public Prosecution, the DCI, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate companies that have been used to siphon funds meant for suppliers and contractors.
Local purchase orders worth millions of shillings have been cited as evidence of the corruption, with some suppliers' properties being auctioned due to unpaid bills.
Human rights activists have accused the county government of failing to discipline its officers who are abusing their offices.
Efforts to get the chief officer for a response were unsuccessful, as pressure mounted for him to resign.
