You’ll carry own graft cross, DP Ruto tells governors
Felix Yegon and Baraka Karama
Deputy President William Ruto says governors will be held accountable for funds misappropriated in their respective counties.
Ruto said embezzlement of funds meant for development was the major hindrance to achieving projected growth in counties.
His sentiments came as various governors have appeared before the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and in courts over misuse of funds. Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu, Ruto ally, is the latest to be charged with graft allegations.
Working relations
Speaking at Bomet Green Stadium yesterday after witnessing the swearing-in ceremony of Hillary Barchok as the third governor of the county, Ruto said the buck stops with the county bosses.
“If you are a governor, you must ensure that not a single penny is lost because it is you who will be asked and not anybody else,” he said.
He called upon the newly sworn-in governor to ensure no money meant for development project is lost.
“You should maintain integrity that Dr Joyce had, and if any money is lost, you will be held liable. So you must ensure that you put everything in order as the person in charge,” he said.
The DP also called for mutual working relations between the county and national governments to enhance collective growth.
The devolved units have been on a war path with the State over division of revenue.
“We all need each other and it is for the best interest of the ordinary citizen that we work in harmony to realise the agenda that we have laid out,” Ruto said.
Barchok, who took over from the late governor Dr Joyce Laboso who succumbed to cancer two weeks ago, was sworn into office by Kericho High Court judge George Odul.
In his acceptance speech, Barchok promised to fast track development projects initiated by his predecessor.
No betrayal
“I want to assure you that I will never betray you. The trust and hope you had in your late governor Joyce will be fulfilled by me because I never betrayed her even once,” he said.
The Deputy President assured Bomet residents of that he will stand with them in ensuring the agenda of Laboso is fulfilled.
He also called upon the new governor to work with all leaders from the county to achieve his objectives.
“It is not easy to confuse or manipulate the residents...these people know what they want so work with all elected leaders for you to succeed. You should avoid those other people who are full of dramas and theatrics,” he said.
Present were governors Paul Chepkwony (Kericho), Samuel Tunai (Narok), Stanley Kiptis (Baringo), Stephen Sang (Nandi), devolution PS Charles Sunkuli and petroleum CAS John Mosonik.
Others were MPs Ronald Tonui (Bomet Central), Brighton Yegon (Konoin), Gideon Koskei (Chepalungu), Beatrice Kones (Bomet East) and Dominic Koskei (Sotik).
Former governor Isaac Ruto was however conspicuously absent. Sang called on Barchok to emulate Laboso in fostering better working relations with the neighbouring counties.
He, however, said devolution was under threat after the newly-found unity between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition chief Raila Odinga.
“Devolution has all along been working well and we are wondering why we are having challenges now with division of revenue...we do not know if this has been brought about by the Handshake,” he said.
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