Publication date: April 26, 2024 02:32 (EAT)
Governor Mohamud Ali Marsabit during a “homecoming rally” after being arrested by EACC officials on corruption charges.Photo I Kasim Wako
Marsabit County is facing a major political crisis after its mayor was grilled by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over audit questions raised by the Auditor General in the 2020/2021 audit report. The confrontation is taking shape.
Speaking in Saku town during a “homecoming rally” after his dramatic arrest by EACC agents on Wednesday morning, Governor Mohamud Ali blamed his political opponents for his plight.
Visibly dissatisfied, the county CEO said the gloves were off and it was time to confront the invaders head on and declare political war.
“You tried it, now do it. I'm ready for it,” Governor Ali told supporters.
He added; “I don't blame the EACC much except for the unwarranted drama, but I do put all the blame on some local leaders who have made baseless accusations of wrongdoing against my administration. Masu.”
His sentiments were echoed by some of his allies in the district council, including MCA-designate Sadia Aral. She asked for fair treatment from the authorities without using any political opinions to her advantage.
Governor Mohamud, who is serving his second and final term, told local leaders, including his Uran District MCA Harkano Konso, Saku MP Dido Ali Lasso, and regional senators, that once the EACC investigation is complete, demanded that evidence be presented in court.
“Instead of writing a letter to the investigating authorities to settle political scores, I would like to appeal to them to testify openly in court with evidence against me. I am clean and have nothing to hide or run away from. No,” he said.
Muhamud insists his regime has not misappropriated resources under its watch since taking office in 2017.
However, his claims were downplayed by a quick rebuttal from Saku MP Dido Ali Lasso, who said he was not glorifying thieves, criminals and fraudsters.
“The governor is accused of embezzling funds, but unless he is exonerated by the judicial system, he has no moral authority to even deal with those who try to defend him,” Russo said. .
“Don't be confused by what's going on. The only guy making the loudest noise is the one with his hand in the cookie jar.”
Rep. Russo refuted the governor's claims that his arrest was politically instigated, arguing that his date with EACC was the result of gross financial irregularities following the Comptroller's Office report.
“It is unnecessary to seek public sympathy in the name of a homecoming rally as this matter is being investigated by the EACC and has not been investigated in front of the innocent people of Marsabit who were in no way involved in his financial drama.” is””
Others being investigated alongside him include Maricha Bol Wario, the current CECM of Water, who is also a director of Lelia Enterprises Limited and Alda Zira Enterprises Limited. be.
Also, Mr. Harake Sola, Chief Administrator of the Governor's Office who manages Qoorti General Contractors Company, Mr. Fuka Wako, director of Burga Ventures Limited and Ororo Company Limited, and Mr. Gufu Shalamo of Marsabit Investment Limited. is also under investigation for allegedly using its company in multiple fraud schemes.
