Governor Jackson Mandago and billionaire businessman Bundotich Kiprop Buzeki are clashing over claims the county is training militia at the Agricultural Training Centre at Chebororwa.
The DCI is still investigating the claims after Mandago last week was summoned to Nakuru alongside Uasin Gishu assembly speaker David Kiplagat and Cheptiret-Kipchamo MCA Gilbert Tenai to record statements.
Mandago, after serving his final term, is running for Senate and Buzeki is running for governor as an independent. He narrowly lost to Mandago in 2017. This time he will face UDA's Jonathan Bii, known as Koti Moja, and William Kirwa of Azimio.
On Wednesday Mandago was at the ATC presiding over a passing out parade for county askaris and fire fighters who have been training at the farmers' college.
Buzeki dismissed the event as a cover-up.
Speaking at Chebarus and Chepkanga, Buzeki again said the county government has been training a militia group and inciting youth at the ATC to cause election trouble.
He also asked the DCI to investigate Emurua Dikirr MP Johanah Ng'eno, accusing him of inciting youth. Ng’eno has dismissed Buzeki as liar and rumour monger
Buzeki also accused Mandago of turning the ATC into a wasteful institution to undermine stability in the country.
Buzeki made further claims, which he said had been reported to the police.
"Let him not lie to us that he presides over a passing out parade there. We know everything that is happening. We are aware of all the meetings, including one held in Kitale recently, and the government is aware of the same," Buzeki said.
He also accused Mandago of planning to hire more ECDE teachers yet he had failed to do so in the last 10 years.
"The governor is now talking about employing ECDE teachers. What has he been doing for the past 10 years? Why does he want to add more casual ECDE teachers yet all those who are there have not been absorbed by his administration?" Buzeki asked.
There is no militia training here and those making those false allegations are evil people
He threatened to block Mandago's plans in court arguing that it is unreasonable for him to recruit 500 ECDE teachers with only two months left to vacate office.
Speaking at the ATC, Mandago accused some politicians of coming with unfounded allegations to tarnish the name of the institution and that of some leaders.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony attended by families and relatives of the officers, Mandago said they had undergone training to enhance services to citizens.
“There is no militia training here and those making those false allegations are evil people,” Mandago said
He challenged the officers to deliver services to the citizens without fear or favour, noting that with the training they must also obey the law.
The officers have been trained on human rights and gender issues, crime detection and investigation, disaster management, law and county legislation, basic first aid skills, public relations, firefighting management, among other courses.
(Edited by V. Graham)
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