Anger as team spends Sh6 million to probe officials in Busia
Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong during an interview with Sunday Nation in his office. Residents have questioned the use of Sh6m by a seven-man team for a simple investigation. PHOTO | JACOB OWITI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Governor Sospeter Ojaamong said the health sector suffered after the removal of the two officials.
Team was investigating two health executives over an incident in Akichelesit where 30 children suffered paresis after they received injections at a local dispensary.
They were also being investigated over another case in Sio Port where a pregnant woman died while waiting for transport to the county referral hospital.
Residents and civil society organisations are questioning the use of Sh6 million to investigate two suspended officials.
The said the money could have been put to better use. The seven-man investigating team spent the cash in one month.
“How can the government spend such an amount within such a short time? The money could have been used to buy X-ray machines at the county referral hospital,” said Mr Jacob Ndangwa, an official with a local civil society, Kengele Forum.
Mr Ndangwa said the county’s development is at risk “because the government is misusing public funds”.
His sentiments were echoed by a resident, Ms Lilian Onyango who accused the county government of spending tax payers’ money on non-priority projects.
“The team held nine sittings and made three site visits. These could not have cost us Sh6 million,” said Ms Onyango.
Governor Sospeter Ojaamong said the health sector suffered after their removal.
“Yes, the county spent Sh6 million in the investigations and indeed the money could have been used better,” he said.
PARESIS CASE
The team was investigating health executive Maurice Simiyu and his chief officer Akisa Akisa over an incident in Akichelesit where 30 children suffered paresis after they received injections at a local dispensary.
They were also being investigated over another case in Sio Port where a pregnant woman died while waiting for transport to the county referral hospital.
However, Dr Simiyu who was suspended on November 3 last year was reinstated even before the report on their investigations was released. He was suspended alongside Dr Akisa.
MCAs said they found the two culpable, accusing them of management inefficiency and corruption. They also accused the officials of failing to put in place structures to curb corruption in the health sector. The team accused the medical staff of professional negligence.
However, in the report handed over to Mr Ojaamong yesterday, the team absolved Dr Simiyu from blame.
“There is no evidence that meets the threshold to warrant Dr Siminyu’s suspension,” said Dr Quintus Ekessa chaired the team
