Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime has sent four top county officials on leave, pending investigations on alleged misappropriation of public funds.
In a statement seen by the Star and signed by the County Chief of Staff and governor’s private secretary Pamphil Mwashinga, Mwadime said the officers will be investigated over complaints raised concerning how the World War I commemoration event was handled.
The officers are the governor’s economic advisor Thomas Njumwa, head of protocol Philemon Mwambingu, political advisor Richard Lukindo and county spokesperson and communication director Mchikirwa Ndelejai.
“Following complaints and allegations relating to the 2022 World War I Commemoration Event, the officers have today been sent on compulsory leave pending investigations into the allegations,” a press statement on Thursday reads in part.
The commemoration event was held from November 24 to 27 last year.
Mwadime’s action comes days after the public raised questions on how over Sh4 million was spent to host the event that was attended by diplomats and other dignitaries.
Residents through the Taita Taveta Oversight Movement (TOM) asked the governor to come clean on how advisors were tasked with paying suppliers and service providers in the three-day event.
“How can suppliers be the ones paying suppliers and contractors in the county? Governor’s handpicked staffers are not allowed to transact any business as they are governor’s political appointees,” Robert Mwakumbaku, a member of the group said.
Mwakumbaku said those involved should be investigated to tame any further attempt to embezzle public funds.
“Soon the county government will be at its knees if action is not taken. Mwadime has to find a way of taming those who are ill-bent on draining the public coffers," he added.
Governor Mwadime has been speaking tough on fighting corruption in the devolved unit, pointing out that he will spare any official involved in corruption dealings.
The first-term governor warned county staffers that stiff legal actions will be taken against those who will soil his administration through unscrupulous deals.
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