This archive report was first published on 15 May 2020.
On April 18, 56 elected and nominated MCAs in Bungoma County allegedly received between Sh30,000 and Sh40,000 each to dissuade them from probing monies spent on the purchase of jerrycans to fight Covid-19. The jerrycans were allegedly purchased at Sh10,000 each, with a total of 600 units bought.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is investigating the claims and has summoned the MCAs to shed light on the matter. The commission interrogated 12 MCAs on May 13, and more were expected to appear before the EACC sleuths.
According to sources, the money was allegedly received from an international non-governmental organisation to be used for training and sensitising the public on how to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the MCAs who refused to take the allowance are members of the health committee who had vowed to investigate the matter.
Majority leader Florence Fulano confirmed receiving the allowances and said she was convinced they were from the NGO. Martin Wanyonyi, Ndivisi MCA, also confirmed receiving EACC summons and stated that they were ready to refund the money.
On May 15, 2020, Bungoma County Government officials adversely mentioned in the matter were also summoned by the EACC. Governor Wycliffe Wangamati had asked the assembly to investigate the matter to its logical conclusion.
Wangamati initially asked the assembly to take legal action against senior county officials who had allegedly used public funds meant for fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. However, he later made an about-turn and said the alleged purchase of the jerrycans was a falsehood peddled by his detractors.
