Governors are unfit for Senate, says Konchellah
Kilgoris MP Gideon Konchellah (below) has criticised the push by outgoing governors to run for Senate seats.
Konchellah, who is contesting the Narok Senate position, said outgoing governors seeking such posts cannot be trusted with oversight roles in Senate owing to conflict of interest.
If elected, such former governors could engage in massive cover-ups whenever questions are raised regarding expenditure in the counties during their tenures. “There is the risk of abuse of the Constitution,” said Konchellah, who will face off with Senator Ledama ole Kina for the ODM ticket.
Among the second-term governors who have expressed interest in Senate seats are Narok’s Samuel Tunai, Uasin Gishu’s Jackson Mandago and Makueni’s Kivutha Kibwana.
Conflict of interest
Speaking at his home in Olalui in Kilgoris, the MP — who was endorsed for the seat by the Kipsigis community from Angata Barrikoi ward in Trans Mara West sub-county — said questions have been raised about integrity issues, conflict of interest and cover-up during financial audits.
The sentiments were backed by Narok gubernatorial aspirant Moitalel ole Kenta and the principal secretary for Youth Affairs, Charles Sunkuli.
The Kipsigis leaders including members of the clergy, youth and women leaders, who converged at the MP’s home gave the long serving MP the greenlight to vie for the senate seat and unseat the incumbent ole Kina.
Led by Gabriel Mibei, a local MCA, they noted that Kochellah had demonstrated leadership qualities during his 20 year stint at Kilgoris MP.
The MCA described Konchellah as the only leader who can articulate issues affecting people of Narok in the senate due to his immense experience.
“We require leaders who have been tried and tested like Konchellah to steer this county in terms of development,” he said.
