Talk is rife at Kakamega county to the effect that powerful forces are working behind the scenes to stop the prosecution of county secretary Jacinta Aluoch. She is facing charges relating to the issue of death threats against a number of county employees. She was expected in court last week but many were surprised when the Director of Public Prosecutions ordered the file returned to Nairobi for further perusal and directions. Those who have recorded statements in relation to death threats are Beatrice Saban, county executive committee member for public service and Joshua Ketukha, an accounting officer. Peter Lukoye, a one-time chief officer in the department of public service and administration together with Michael Mukolwe have recorded statements. Mukolwe was formerly at the transport section. Apart from death threats, Aluoch is accused of abusing office by paying allowances and benefits running into thousands of shillings to her driver and two armed bodyguards.
Jacinta Aluoch
Her security team and the driver found their names on the county payroll system despite the fact that they are not employed by the county. Weekly Citizen has information that it all started when issues were raised that Aluoch’s action was against county governments Act and that of Salaries and Remuneration
Commission. Fuming, Aluoch claimed she was only answerable to Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, and was going to “shoot” those opposed to her actions as she was the holder of a certified firearm. Weekly Citizen could not establish if it is true she owns a private firearm. She was arrested on June 11 at county officers as she wept openly. Those well versed with the ongoings say a section of powerful forces at ODPP is opposed to her prosecution sanctioned by Patrick Gumo, senior assistant director of public prosecutions Western region. The case involves the infighting between the Ethics Anti-Corruption Commission and those of DCI. Aluoch was arrested by DCI officers and released on Sh100,000 bond.
