Controversy Erupts Over Bungoma Governor Lusaka's Madaraka Day Spending

Bungoma County Governor Ken Lusaka is facing intense scrutiny from Hon. Julius Masinde over the reported 148 million Kenyan Shillings spent on the Madaraka Day celebrations hosted in Bungoma. According to Hon. Masinde, the expenditure is not only exorbitant but also raises significant accountability concerns.

Hon. Masinde acknowledges the importance of preparing for the influx of visitors for such a national function, but he insists that the preparations should not have cost beyond 60 million KES. He claims that while the county government justifies some of the expenditure as necessary for completing the VIP section at Masinde Muliro Stadium, which can be accounted for, other costs are questionable.

One of the most contentious expenditures is the 25 million KES reportedly spent on planting ornamental trees along the dual carriageway. Hon. Masinde, a regular user of the road, argues that there is little evidence of these trees. 

"Apart from a small area from the Airstrip to Kanduyi where one can see a few tree seedlings, nowhere else can the trees and flowers be found," he states. 

He also questions the decision to purchase trees from Kisumu, which has a different climate, possibly hindering the growth of the plants in Bungoma.

Additionally, Hon. Masinde criticizes the allocation of over 6 million KES for small billboards that were displayed for merely 20 days. He questions the justification of such spending when Bungoma residents lack meaningful development.

Concerns are also raised about the 13 million KES reportedly spent on electricity bills within a month. Hon. Masinde points out the inefficiency of street lights being on during the day and off at night, suggesting poor management.

Finally, Hon. Masinde questions the 4 million KES allocated for food and drinks, noting that attendees of the Madaraka Day celebrations did not even receive water. He calls for clarification on whether the funds were used for the State luncheon and if so, whether it was a county or national government responsibility.

On the grounds of what he perceives as gross mismanagement, Hon. Masinde holds that the county government, under Governor Lusaka’s leadership, is liable for impeachment. He asserts that the misuse of public funds cannot be tolerated and demands that the governor be held accountable.

In conclusion, Hon. Julius Masinde demands transparency and accountability from Governor Lusaka regarding the spending on Madaraka Day. He urges the governor to provide clear explanations for what he terms as unnecessary overspending and to ensure that the county government's funds are used effectively for the development of Bungoma.

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By EoK Editorial team 

Email: editonekenya@gmail.com