Senator wants Governor Mandago audited over county cash

Uasin Gishu Senator, Isaac Melly, has accused Governor Jackson Mandago of misappropriating public funds at the expense of service delivery in the county.

Melly now want the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to perform a lifestyle audit on Mandago alleging that the Governor is misusing public funds for his own personal gains.

The Senator registered his disappointment in the county assembly after he paid a visit to Meibeki Health Centre where residents have complained of lack of drugs and ambulance services.

“It is shocking to find a public hospital closed and patients left untreated yet it should be operating round the clock. I thought it was just the issue of drugs shortage and ambulances but the findings suggest otherwise and we need answers from the governor,” said Melly.

Melly stated that Ksh 2 billion was allocated to Uasin Gishu County during the initial financial year of devolution, funds that the County Government of has been unable to account for.

“My conscience and mandate cannot allow me to watch the governor parade a convoy of fuel guzzlers from the Eldoret International airport to the town in the name of a heroic welcome when the hospitals do not have drugs. Which heroism is in failing to serve the voters?”

The Senator was referring to the defiant return of Mandago to Eldoret from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Nairobi where he was probed over alleged public incitement in the Vice Chancellor’s succession saga surrounding Moi University.

Mandago previously responded to the Senator’s allegations of the Ksh 2 billion saying that the Senator was a stranger to county affairs.

“There are people who have been missing on the leadership scene who have abruptly returned to make accusations that we have misappropriated county funds. They are similar to persons who have gone hunting and came back empty handed, tell them to feel welcome home first,” said Mandago.

Melly responded saying that he is not a county executive officer to operate from county offices but a legislator in the Senate where he represents the electorate.

“Article 96 of the Constitution is clear on my roles and duties as a legislator in the Senate. I protect county affairs and for three years, I have advocated for the increment of funds allocated to Uasin Gishu. Therefore, I must question how it is used,” said Melly.

The Senator denied having any personal differences with Governor Mandago, as he called for the county government to produce a fully detailed report of the county’s expenditure for the last two years.