Marsabit Governor Mohamud blames political rivals after arrest in graft probe

Speaking in Saku town during his "homecoming rally" after his dramatic arrest on Wednesday morning by EACC sleuths, Governor Mohamud Ali blamed his political opponents for his woes.

A visibly disgruntled county CEO said the gloves are off and it’s time to face his aggressors head-on, declaring a political war.

“You have attempted it, now bring it on. I am ready for it,” said Governor Ali while addressing his supporters.

He added; ‘’While I don’t blame EACC as much apart from their unwarranted drama, I place all the blame on some of our local leaders who have been making baseless accusations about graft against my administration.”

His sentiments were echoed by a section of area members of the County Assembly allied to him including nominated MCA Sadia Araru. She called for fair treatment from the authorities without playing to any political gallery.

Governor Mohamud, who is serving his second and final term in office, challenged the local leaders including his own Uran Ward MCA Halkano Konso, Saku Member of Parliament Dido Ali Rasso and the area senator to produce evidence in court once EACC completes its investigations.

“I want to challenge you to openly bear witness against me in court with evidence instead of writing letters to investigative authorities to settle political scores. I am clean and I’ve nothing to hide or run from,” he said.

Mohamud insists that his administration has not embezzled any resources under his watch since assuming office in 2017.

His assertion was however downplayed in a quick rejoinder by Saku MP Dido Ali Rasso, who said he would not celebrate thieves, criminals, and crooks.

“The governor is accused of embezzling funds, unless he is cleared by the judicial system, he has no moral authority to even address anyone trying to defend himself,” said Rasso.

"Don't be perplexed by what's going on. The only man making the loudest noise is the one caught with his hands in the cookie jar."

MP Rasso refuted claims by the governor that his arrest was politically instigated insisting that his date with EACC was a result of serious financial impropriety following the Auditor General’s report.

‘’Seeking public sympathy in the name of homecoming rally is uncalled for since the matter is under investigation by EACC and not before innocent people of Marsabit who were never involved in his financial drama"

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested and later released Governor Mohamud on Wednesday as part of a corruption investigation.

Other individuals being investigated alongside him include the current CECM for water, Malicha Boru Wario, Malicha is the director of Lelia Enterprises Limited and Ardha Jilla Enterprises Limited.

Also on the probe is the Principal Administrator Halakhe Sora at the governor’s office running Qoorti General Contractors Company, Huka Wako, a director of Burga Ventures Limited and Ororo Company Limited and Gufu Sharamo of Marsabit Investment Limited for allegedly using their companies in several fraudulent schemes.