Bungoma County Governor Ken Lusaka has come under sharp criticism for what residents describe as blatant misuse of public funds while the county grapples with crippling socio-economic challenges. From allegations of extravagant expenditures on personal comfort to claims of prioritizing vanity projects over critical needs, Lusaka’s administration is facing an unprecedented backlash.
Governor Lusaka’s tenure has not been without controversy. During his first term, he was embroiled in a scandal involving the procurement of wheelbarrows valued at Ksh 3,000 for an inflated price of Ksh 109,000 each. The scandal earned him widespread criticism, with many questioning his commitment to prudent financial management. Now, in his second term, accusations of financial impropriety continue to haunt his administration.
Recently, residents were outraged by reports that Lusaka purchased high-end vehicles worth Ksh 50 million shortly after returning to office. When questioned about the source of the funds, the governor claimed they were part of his pension from Parliament, where he previously served as Senate Speaker.
This explanation, however, has done little to placate the public. Many Bungoma residents have expressed skepticism, questioning whether Parliament’s pension provisions are generous enough to finance such extravagant purchases.
“How much money does Parliament really give as pension? It’s hard to believe that such expensive cars can be bought with retirement benefits alone,” wondered one frustrated resident.
Misplaced Priorities
While the governor enjoys a luxurious lifestyle, the county struggles with basic needs. Reports of massive expenditures on non-essential items have further enraged residents. According to budget records, the county spent:
- Ksh 25 million on flowers.
- Ksh 402 million on travel in the 2023/2024 financial year.
- Ksh 696 million allocated to travel in the 2022/2023 financial year.
- Ksh 320 million on garbage collection.
Residents are questioning these priorities, especially in a county where poverty is rife, and public services are in dire straits. “We keep hearing about millions spent on flowers, travel, and garbage collection while the majority of us cannot even afford basic necessities,” lamented another resident.
Crippling Education Crisis
One of the most pressing issues in Bungoma County is the education crisis. Over 11,000 students were unable to transition to Form One due to a lack of school fees. This statistic underscores the severe financial challenges faced by many families in the county.
“Education is supposed to be a priority, yet our children are at home because we can’t afford school fees,” said a concerned parent. “Meanwhile, the governor seems more concerned with his comfort than the welfare of the people.”
Healthcare in Shambles
The situation in Bungoma’s healthcare sector is equally dire. Residents report a lack of essential drugs and basic supplies in public hospitals, leaving many to rely on expensive private clinics or go untreated.
“Our hospitals are in a sorry state. People are dying because there are no drugs, yet the county government is spending hundreds of millions on travel and luxury vehicles,” another resident complained.
The state of healthcare in Bungoma highlights the disconnect between the government’s expenditures and the pressing needs of the population.
Lavish Lifestyle Amidst Struggles
Governor Lusaka’s perceived extravagance has fueled anger among residents who feel abandoned by their leadership. His administration’s spending choices, combined with his own seemingly lavish lifestyle, have led to widespread frustration.
“We feel abandoned by those we trusted to lead us,” said one resident. “Our children are at home, our hospitals are failing, and the governor is busy living a life of luxury.”
Many see Lusaka’s actions as a betrayal of the public trust. They accuse him of prioritizing his own comfort over the needs of the people who elected him.
Calls for Accountability
The criticism has sparked calls for greater accountability in Bungoma County. Civil society groups and residents are demanding transparency in the use of public funds and a shift in priorities to address the county’s pressing challenges.
“There needs to be a thorough audit of how public funds are being used in Bungoma,” said a local activist. “We cannot continue to tolerate this kind of mismanagement.”
The allegations against Governor Lusaka come at a time when many Kenyans are growing increasingly frustrated with corruption and poor governance at all levels of government.
What Needs to Change
To restore public trust, Governor Lusaka’s administration must take immediate steps to address the county’s challenges. These include:
- Reallocating Resources: Redirect funds from non-essential expenditures, such as flowers and excessive travel, to critical sectors like education and healthcare.
- Transparency: Publish detailed reports on the use of public funds to rebuild public confidence.
- Support for Vulnerable Groups: Establish programs to assist families struggling to pay school fees and access healthcare.
- Community Engagement: Actively involve residents in decision-making processes to ensure their needs are prioritized.
The growing discontent in Bungoma County is a reflection of the broader challenges facing Kenya’s governance. As citizens become more aware of how their taxes are spent, the demand for accountability will only intensify.
Governor Lusaka has an opportunity to change the narrative by addressing the issues raised by his constituents and proving his commitment to serving the people. Failure to do so could not only tarnish his legacy but also deepen the hardships faced by the residents of Bungoma.
The question now is whether Lusaka will rise to the occasion or continue down a path that many believe is riddled with poor choices and misplaced priorities.
