Siaya Governor James Orengo has dared the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over corruption-related charges.
In a hard-hitting letter, the Siaya County boss indicated that he was more than ready to face the anti-graft body over the said corruption charges.
The renowned lawyer hit out at EACC indicating that they have made several arrests in Siaya but for over six years the accused persons have not been prosecuted.
Orengo was more concerned by EACC Chief Executive Officer Twalib Mbarak's sentiments which indicated that he was on the anti-corruption agency's radar.
Read More
He described Twalib's comments as irresponsible and unjustified.
"The statement made by the CEO of EACC today in regard to the alleged ongoing investigations touching on Siaya County, with an unfortunate and nuanced reference to the Governor, was reckless, irresponsible, unjustified and legally inexcusable," Orengo stated.
" It was empty and contained nothing new, except outrageous hyperbole, falsehood and callous sadism. There have been arrests made in Siaya County as long as six (6) years ago. But no prosecutions. Complaints in regard thereto have been made many a time. But apropos the Governor, we say bring it on without delay. We are unbwogable," he insisted.
Speaking at the 3rd EACC Anti Corruption Workshop for Media Practitioners, EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak maintains that the devolved unit is among the counties under red flag.
In the 3rd quarterly report of EACC released in 2023 placed Siaya County among the top 10 counties on the spot over embezzlement of public funds worth millions.
Investigations conducted by the Anti-Graft Body Showed that Ksh400 million was allegedly embezzled in Siaya County through claims of allowances for training and official public engagements, which were never held.
“When you arrest somebody who is in the government, you have been bought by the opposition. When you go for somebody in the opposition, you have been bought by the government. So this is common noise we’re used to," Twalib stated.
"Yesterday, the noise they made, one of the lawyers there is a Governor, his county we have even focused on it...it is in our red flag...so you can tell that lawyer-cum-Governor we may end up in his place very soon," he added.
