• DPP ordered the prosecution of Korane and other senior Garissa County officials over the alleged embezzlement of Sh233 million that was issued by the World Bank as a grant.
• Dagane appealed to the national government organs in Garissa for support as they continue serving the residents of Garissa.
Image: STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane has announced his decision to assume the governorship in an acting capacity pending resolution of Governor Ali Korane's case.
He was accompanied by security officials when he made the announcement on Monday.
This follow threats Dagane said were made to his life last week.
Dagane recorded a statement last week at Kilimani police station where he alleged that some people had threatened him, days after his boss Korane was charged with failing to provide oversight on Sh233 million World Bank grant funds.
Others facing charges are Finance chief officer Ibrahim Malow, Treasury head Mohammed Abdullahi, Municipality CEC Abdi Shale and head of accounting at municipal, Ahmed Aden.
It was found that instead of the money being used for the construction of a market, re carpeting of CBD roads and putting up of pedestrian walkways and setting up of drainages, it was diverted between February and September 2019.
The DPP said diversions were facilitated by the county officials.
Korane is accused of abdicating his role in the management of resources.
The county officials face charges including conspiracy to commit an economic crime, willful failure to comply with the law relating to management of public finances and misappropriation of public funds.
Other charges they will face include engaging in a project without prior planning contrary to provisions in the Public Finance Management Act and abuse of office.
Meanwhile, Dagane said he will ensure continued service delivery to residents.
"I urge the residents of Garissa county to join me in praying for our governor and other county officials for a speedy conclusion of the case," he said.
DPP Noordin Haji ordered the prosecution of Korane on September 10 over the alleged embezzlement of Sh233 million.
Dagane said there is no leadership vacuum.
"Under my leadership, county executive committee members and the gallant County workforce, we shall continue to implement the governor's development agenda as provided for in article 179 of the Constitution, section 32(2) of the County Government Act and the recent court rulings," he said.
He added that the county leadership will be guided by the best practices adopted by counties with intentions of doing better.
"I'm profoundly appealing to the political leadership both National and county level - most importantly the county assembly of Garissa county to enhance their oversight role and show leadership and practical wisdom required of us by our people in this extremely difficult period," the deputy governor said.
He added, "Anyone can captain the ship when the sea is calm, but it takes grit, pragmatism and skilful leadership to wade through the rough seas."
Dagane appealed to the national government organs in Garissa for support as they continue serving the residents of Garissa.
"Peaceful coexistence of our people is never negotiable and thus I urge the residents of this great county to remain calm and not to be carried away by the euphoria of the moment," he said.
Governor Korane is accused of abdicating his role in the management of resources.
The county officials face charges including conspiracy to commit an economic crime, willful failure to comply with the law relating to the management of public finances and misappropriation of public funds.
Other charges they will face include engaging in a project without prior planning contrary to provisions in the Public Finance Management Act and abuse of office.