• Kimosop, top KVDA officials and four Cabinet secretaries questioned by DCI about loss of Sh21 billion meant for two dams
• Some residents claim some MCAs have business interests in dams, resent Tolgos' anti-graft stand; deputy speaker defends MCAs
Image: FILE
Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos has claimed that part of the money meant for the Arror and Kimwarer dams in the county is being used to sabotage his administration.
Tolgos has said the CEO of the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), David Kimosop, is using the money to influence MCAs at assembly to frustrate county operations.
Kimosop rubbished the allegations by Tolgos. "The claims are nonsense and high level of stupidity," he told the Star in a phone message yesterday.
Tolgos has supported the ongoing probe by the DCI into the possible loss of Sh21 billion meant for the dams, arguing that those involved must be made to carry their own cross.
Speaking at Kapsowar Boys secondary, Tolgos said this was not the first time Kimosop and his team were pouring money into undermining his government.
He accused Kimosop of doing the same in the run-up to 2017 elections when he sponsored a group called the Keiyo for Keiyo movement that campaigned against him.
A section of county residents led by Thomas Chepkiyeng and Robert Chelal claim that some MCAs who are frustrating Tolgos had business interests in the dams projects and did not like the position taken by the governor.
Arror MCA Christopher Chemosong, who is also the deputy speaker, denied the allegations against the MCAs. He said the claims were fabricated and should be ignored.
“Some of the MCAs misused are being used to advance the KVDA agenda at the county assembly instead of doing their official roles as MCAs to legislate, oversight and represent the electorate,” Chepkieng said.
Tolgos said Kimosop should stop exploiting MCAs to fight him and leave the Assembly to function without external interference.
Sources seeking anonymity said some MCAs yesterday were locked in a meeting planning to impeach county executives appointed by Tolgos.
Kimosop is among top KVDA officials and four Cabinet secretaries who have been questioned by the DCI over the dams scandals. CMC di Ravenna officials have said they are ready to start work on the dams but they are unable to access land in the Kerio Valley that is still occupied by families.
Tolgos has pledged that he will not allow the families to move out until they are compensated. He argues that families had lost their land after they were moved to create space for projects without compensation.