This archive report was first published on 20 May 2020.
Published on May 20, 2020, a scandal has emerged in Meru County regarding the allocation of face mask tenders. Abothuguchi Central MCA Ayub Bundi has come forward, alleging that the county's finance department is misusing public funds during the pandemic.
According to Bundi, the tender was awarded to only two entities, Meru Uniforms and Sawa Sawa Uniforms, to manufacture face masks worth Sh2.4 million for 80,000 units. This decision has raised eyebrows, particularly since technical institutions, polytechnics, and Meru Youth Service were overlooked in favor of two wealthy individuals in the county.
One of the affected parties, Abothuguchi West MCA Muriithi Muthuri, expressed disappointment that his request to have face masks produced by Githongo Polytechnic in his ward was ignored. Gacheri Muthuri, a nominated MCA, echoed similar sentiments, stating that polytechnics and volunteers willing to manufacture the masks were sidelined for personal interests.
