Nyamira County residents have petitioned Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakango to halt fund disbursements to the County Government until order and accountability are restored, a bold move to address governance challenges. The petition follows leadership disputes that have hindered development and fostered political instability.
A group of concerned professionals and citizens alleges that officials are diverting funds allocated to Nyamira County for personal gain. They claim these resources are misused to bribe political leaders, particularly Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), to influence the 2027 general elections and settle political scores. According to the petitioners, this misappropriation fuels political violence and leadership conflicts, stalling the county’s progress.
The petitioners argue that it is unproductive for the national government to continue releasing funds to Nyamira County, given their alleged misuse and negative impact on development. They emphasize that finances intended for infrastructure, healthcare, and essential services are instead deepening a political crisis, undermining the county’s ability to serve its citizens.
“We are asking Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakango, who hails from this county, to halt all funding to the County Government. Development has stalled due to political disputes, and there is no reason to continue financing a government that has failed its people,” said John Monari, a petitioner.
Monari criticized the national government for perpetuating ineffective governance: “Why should the national government release funds to the county when they are allegedly misappropriated, fueling political conflicts?”
The petitioners also expressed frustration with security agencies, particularly the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), for failing to investigate reports of misappropriation. They demand accountability from both the County Government and these agencies for perpetuating the crisis.
At the heart of the petition is a call to dissolve the current County Government, which residents claim has failed to meet its constitutional obligations.
“A government that cannot deliver services to its citizens as stipulated in the Constitution has no business being in power,” said Tom Ogero, a vocal resident.
The residents warned that if their petition is ignored and funds continue to flow, they will launch a signature collection campaign to dissolve the County Government. They believe this drastic measure is necessary to end the cycle of corruption, mismanagement, and political infighting hindering Nyamira’s development.
The petitioners criticized Nyamira’s elected officials, including the governor, senator, Members of Parliament (MPs), and MCAs, accusing them of being ineffective and focused on political manoeuvring rather than delivering services.
“The only project thriving in Nyamira County is political wrangling and campaigns for 2027 election seats,” Ogero said.
Residents vowed to reject these leaders in future elections, aiming to elect individuals committed to improving the county’s welfare and fostering stable governance.
Governor Amos Nyaribo denied allegations of fund mismanagement, defending his administration’s transparency.
“We are committed to accountability in managing county resources. If anyone has evidence of wrongdoing, they should report it to the relevant authorities for action,” Nyaribo said.
Despite his assurances, the controversy continues to overshadow his administration, with many residents unconvinced. The call to halt fund disbursements and overhaul leadership reflects deep public frustration.
As Nyamira County faces a challenging period, the battle for control of the County Government intensifies. The petition to stop funding is a stark reflection of public dissatisfaction, and pressure is mounting on county and national authorities to act decisively. Whether this petition leads to a resolution or escalates tensions remains uncertain, but Nyamira’s governance and development now hang in the balance.
