Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa is facing serious allegations of pervasive corruption within the county’s procurement and finance departments.
A new dossier exposes a web of greed, manipulation, and potential betrayal that could shake the very foundation of governance in Kakamega County. The report accuses Governor Barasa and his associates of manipulating county tenders, intimidating contractors, and funneling public funds into private hands under the guise of “Khulinde Obwami.”
The dossier reveals a disturbing story of embezzlement and coercion, with Governor Barasa’s point men allegedly pushing for specific contractors to be awarded lucrative county tenders in exchange for hefty kickbacks.
Anonymous sources within the county’s procurement and finance departments claim that those who oppose these corrupt schemes face intimidation and threats of retaliation. The atmosphere of fear and control reportedly prevents contractors and county staff from speaking out, allowing the corruption to thrive unchecked.
Corruption Scheme Undermines County Development
The allegations against Governor Barasa paint a grim picture of Kakamega County’s leadership. The manipulation of the procurement process, according to the report, is a calculated effort to enrich a select few at the expense of the county’s development.
Contractors who are not part of the scheme are deprived of opportunities, while residents suffer from poorly executed projects and the mismanagement of public funds.
“This illegal practice not only undermines the integrity of the county leadership, procurement, and finance departments, but it also robs the contractors of their hard-earned money and deprives residents of value for money in the projects initiated,” one anonymous source said.
The dossier also highlights how county officials use their positions to exert undue influence, ensuring that projects are awarded to preselected contractors who are willing to participate in the kickback scheme. These fraudulent schemes have reportedly led to significant financial losses for the county, as funds intended for public services are diverted into private pockets.
Governor Barasa’s Complicity?
One of the most troubling aspects of the report is the perceived inaction of Governor Barasa in addressing the corruption swirling around his administration.
Despite mounting evidence of widespread embezzlement and procurement fraud, there has been no meaningful effort from the governor to halt the illegal activities.
This has raised questions about whether Barasa is complicit in the corruption, or at the very least, unwilling to confront the powerful cartels operating within the county.
The lack of action has fueled suspicions that Governor Barasa may be turning a blind eye to the rampant corruption for personal or political gain. Observers note that his silence on the matter is deafening, particularly given the scale of the alleged wrongdoing.
Calls for Accountability
As the corruption allegations continue to surface, there are growing calls for accountability in Kakamega County.
Civic groups and residents are demanding transparency and an immediate investigation into the activities of the procurement and finance departments.
Many are urging Governor Barasa to take decisive action to restore integrity to the county government and ensure that public resources are used for the benefit of the people.
However, until concrete steps are taken to address these allegations, Kakamega County risks becoming a symbol of unchecked corruption, where public officials prioritize personal gain over the welfare of their constituents.
Governor Barasa has yet to respond to these allegations, but pressure is mounting for him to either take action or face the possibility of more formal investigations into the mismanagement of county resources.
What’s Next?
The revelations in this dossier pose a serious challenge to Governor Barasa’s leadership.
Whether or not he is directly involved, his administration’s credibility is on the line. As public outrage grows, the people of Kakamega will be watching closely to see whether Barasa can step up to the challenge and root out the corruption that threatens the county’s development—or whether these revelations will mark the beginning of a deeper crisis for his administration.