Photo: Kisii County Governor H E James Ongwae (right) and his deputy Joash Maangi (left)
By Francis Kainda
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is seeking orders to recover Sh200 million which Kisii County Governor James Ongwae, and his deputy Joash Maangi allegedly received as kickbacks from a shadowy contractor for the renovation of Gusii Stadium and refurbishment of Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The anti-graft agency claims the governor and his deputy, who are facing corruption-related charges, received the money from Getax Company Limited.
The EACC also wants to recover sh. 121 million from Mr Charles Mogaka and his wife Beth Moraa, the two are directors of a local construction company, the company received the funds from the county government construction of Nyanchwa- Nyambera road but the EACC claims no actual work was done.
Gusii stadium renovations which was estimated to cost Ksh 200 million is yet to be completed three years since the project was commissioned by Governor, James Ongwae.
At the launch of the repair and upgrading works in 2015, Ongwae who announced Ksh200m had been set aside for the stadium at the time said the project would be completed ‘in a few days
But as the Governor winds down his first term in office, the EACC tabled documents confirming the county government had pumped more millions into the renovation of the stadium with Ongwae’s brother alleged to be among the beneficiaries of the tender that has since been transferred to a third contractor.
In his defence, Ongwae has stated Gusii Stadium remains incomplete since the facility is being upgraded to accommodate other sporting disciplines apart from football.
A spot-check by Kenya Today established the stands are yet to be put up, the pitch is not yet laid or marked, the running track is yet to be set up and the perimeter fence is yet to be complete with construction material littered all over the facility.
Governor James Ongwae and his Deputy Joash Maangi have been accused of intimidating and threatening journalists, bloggers and whistle blowers using rogue police and outlawed Sungu Sungu Vigilante group. Musicians who have composed songs condemning corruption in the county have also been targeted and some have fled the county.
