This archive report was first published on 12 December 2019.
Published on December 12, 2019, Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, the Chairman of the Council of Governors (CoG), has made it clear that the organization will not defend county chiefs accused of corruption.
Speaking during a television show, Oparanya stated that governors should be prepared to defend themselves against corruption allegations or face the consequences of being convicted.
“Governors should defend themselves or go to jail if convicted,” Oparanya said, reiterating the CoG's support for President Uhuru Kenyatta's war against corruption.
He also dismissed claims that the CoG had disowned Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, stating that the organization was against the decision to compel governors facing corruption accusations to step aside, as it would derail service delivery in their units.
Regarding the recent move to bar Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal from accessing their offices due to corruption charges, Oparanya argued that governors are not accountable for signing documents and therefore should not be interfered with during investigations.
Meanwhile, Garissa Governor Ali Korane has faulted the national Treasury for withholding county funds over pending bills, terming the move illegal.
