Sang’s cartel facing ouster after massive looting of Covid funds

An audit report tabled at the Nandi County Assembly has implicated my officers in Governor Stephen Sang’s kitchen cabinet. Nominated MCA Teresa Maiyo led the special committee that probed how funds meant for combating Covid-19 funds were spent.

The report reveals massive misappropriation of emergency funds, breach of procurement laws  and incriminating facts on abuse of office. It was unanimously adopted by the assembly and will have serious implications on Sang’s administration that has been rocked by looting scandals since day one.

The report recommends immediate suspension and investigation of CEC Ruth Koech of health over missing ICU beds, acquisition of malfunctioning oxygen plant and theft of Covid-19 emergency funds. Also accused for stealing the funds and concealing evidence is Finance CEC CPA Alfred Lagat.

Finance CO Meshack Malakwen and Health chief officer Paul Lagat are also facing suspension for colluding with suppliers to inflate prices for kickbacks.

The report dated April 21 2021 that took three months to compile, uncovered theft of millions taxpayer’s money through shady deals that fattened the pockets of rogue county officers.

Findings also show that up to Sh52 million was irregularly spent to buy face masks which would mean 10 million masks for 2000  health workers with each getting 33 masks to cover March to July but that was not the case.

The rogue officers further defrauded the county when the same firm that supplied faulty ventilators and ICU beds was also contracted to build Nandi Hills Hospital mortuary.

“You can imagine even at the height of Covid-19 pandemic thieves holed at Governor Stephen Sang’s office had the courage and audacity to deny doctors, clinical officers and nurses PPEs and other equipment so as to line their pockets,” Kapsabet ward MCA Fred Kipkemboi said.

MCA Kipkemboi blamed Sang for the mess in Nandi County as he wondered why the governor was reluctant to reshuffle his ailing administration.

North Regional director Japheth Baithalu has directed the county secretary to provide documents related to Covid-19 funds and construction of the mortuary immediately to facilitate investigations.

“You are kindly but urgently requested to provide us with certified copies of documents with respect to procurement, supply and distribution of ICU covering the entire supply chain from identification, delivery, payments and physical distribution,” the letter reads in part.

 

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