This archive report was first published on 5 June 2020.
June 5, 2020, marked a significant day in Bungoma County as the once vibrant marriage between Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and Senator Moses Wetang'ula seemed to be reading from different scripts. The two politicians, who are also party leaders, have been at odds over various issues, including corruption allegations.
As the senator who oversees the county's finances, Wetang'ula has been vocal about the need for transparency and accountability in the utilization of funds. He has been on the forefront, asking the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate senior county officials over the Sh6.9 million jerrycans scandal.
According to Wetang'ula, the money borrowed from Bungoma County Referral Hospital was meant to purchase sanitary items to fight the global pandemic Covid-19. However, word has it that the funds were divided among top county officials, including the disaster management committee members. The senator has described the incident as 'pure theft' and has called for a thorough investigation.
The feud between Wangamati and Wetang'ula has taken a toll on the county, with their supporters trading insults on social media. The situation has also led to a power struggle in the county assembly, with some members allied to Wetang'ula executing a coup that saw Wangamati's friendly MCAs shown the door.
