Silverio Omari
Residents of Bomet County have decided to temporarily suspend planned protests regarding alleged embezzlement of county funds to avoid disrupting the ongoing KCSE examinations.
Organizers of the protests stated that the suspension is in consideration of the national exams. “We have agreed to temporarily postpone the peaceful protests against corrupt individuals in the county,” said Diaz Kimutai, a youth leader.
Speaking to the press in Bomet town, Kimutai explained that the decision was made after consulting with education officials, teachers’ unions, clergy, school heads, and parents’ associations. He urged residents to be patient, assuring them that a new date for the protests would be announced soon.
Kimutai also addressed rumors suggesting that the youth may have been influenced by county leaders to halt the demonstrations. “This decision is purely to respect the ongoing national exams; we do not want to cause any disruptions,” he clarified.
The protests had initially been scheduled for November 6. The county has been under scrutiny for alleged mismanagement of public funds, with claims of fraudulent payments by senior officials, resulting in a reported loss of Sh1.2 billion. The matter is currently being investigated by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Last month, EACC officers raided the homes and offices of several senior county officials as part of the investigation into the corruption scandal. The officers seized documents during the search, which also extended to the county headquarters.
Kimutai reaffirmed the youth’s commitment to fighting corruption within the local government. “We commend the EACC for their efforts so far, including the numerous summons issued,” he stated. He also called for the immediate resignation of those implicated by the County Assembly, EACC, and other authorities.
Vitaline Cherotich, another youth leader, urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate pending bills and allegations of forgery in some county departments. “We encourage the public to join the upcoming protests in large numbers. It is their right to demand accountability,” she emphasized.
Last week, at least eight senior county officials were arrested by EACC agents in connection with the ongoing corruption probe.
Dj Vnyash
