Migori contractors and suppliers have given the county government and Governor Okoth Obado 14 days to pay Sh800 million for completed projects.
The Migori County Contractors’ Association has written to county secretary Christopher Rusanna, county commissioner Idd Matata and county commander David Kirui.
The amount has accrued for three financial years. The contractors are also demanding a list of the payments made during this period.
“There has been selective payment of contractors and suppliers who are close to Obado, top officials and their immediate families. Those suffering the most are the ones who do not have godfathers,” association chairman Sam Otieno said.
Died of depression
He said money for some companies owned by county officials has been released. Association secretary Godness Oucho said some contractors and suppliers have died of depression while others have lost their property to auctioneers.
“Banks are after us and our properties are up for sale. What we are asking for is not a favour, but our hard-earned dues,” he said.
Speaking in Migori town yesterday, the two said they aired their grievances to Obado in March, but little has been done.
“Obado’s chief financial officer Samuel Omuga has been the major stumbling block in our payment. A blacklist of contractors and suppliers who should never be paid has been created,” Oucho said. Attempts to get a comment from Omuga and Rusanna failed.
During the state of the county address in March, Obado said contractors would be paid after a social audit of the completed projects. He said some contractors signed up for many projects, which they could not complete.
