- At no point he stated, is he going to cede to the demands of those out to derail him from developing the devolved unit.
- He said he has already conducted a staff audit aimed at weeding out ghost and non-performing workers.
Image: MAGATI OBEBO
Kisii Governor Simba Arati on Thursday accused his detractors of spoiling up for fight with him for denying them access to public funds.
He said some are directing venom on him, while others have started blackmailing him because he has stood his ground to protect public funds from thieves.
"I know they have regrouped and not for anything really important but to fight me because i have denied them from eating money meant for you," stated Arati.
Arati spoke in Nyanturago Thursday during the World AIDs Day.
At no point he stated, is he going to cede to the demands of those out to derail him from developing the devolved unit.
"Where should I get money for you when the coffers are yawning? There is absolutely nothing left for me to feed you," Arati said to his detractors.
The governor further accused some politicians for extorting bribes to secure nonexistent jobs in the county.
"If you see them please report them. We never give jobs on the basis of bribes," he said.
The governor's sentiments came in the wake of Wednesday and Thursday attacks on his administration by Senator Richard Onyonka and MPs, Japhet Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache North), Athony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South) and South Mugirango MP Sylivanus Osoro.
On Thursday, Onyonka, in a statement said he has already severed all links with the governor for being 'ungovernable.'
He accused him of fighting even his own people who overwhelmingly voted for him.
The Senator said he had found the governor unwilling to accept advice even when it was for the common good of the people.
Similar sentiments were echoed by the MPs who told him to own up to incidents of hooliganism being reported in the county.
The acrimony was sparked by the Tuesday evening assault of two county staff outside the governor's office by suspected goons.
The three suspects have since fled even as the police said they have begun a manhunt for them.
Arati said he would not cede an inch to satiate any politician's demand for tokens.
"Tell them I will not give them a penny, I'm here courtesy of the voter who I cannot let down to feed those who are hungry for public funds," he said.
"I would rather serve one term and do selfless work than to bow down to satisfy their greed.
"I'm ready and wish to bruntly tell them the truth. For me serving one term to give value to mwananchi gives me more pleasure."
The county boss used the occasion to give highlights of his administration in his hundred days in office.
He said he has already conducted a staff audit aimed at weeding out ghost and non-performing workers.
He spoke of the successful digitisation disbursement of drugs across health facilities, a programme that has put breaks to drug thefts.
Arati said he was aware that the ongoing staff audit has caused disquiet among his political friends, some who he said have picked a fight with him.
On HIV/AIDs Arati termed the swelling disease infection in Kisii as worrying.
"About 39, 000 residents are infected with the disease in the devolved unit marking a grave climb," he said.