Last Updated on February 2, 2025 by Turkana County News Online
TURKANA WEST: Kalobeyei Member of County Assembly (MCA) has strongly denied allegations made by Senior Chief Patrick Lobeyo Pire, dismissing them as baseless and politically motivated.
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have seen the allegations made by Kalobeyei Senior Chief Patrick Lobeyo Pire and would like to address them:
1. Road Construction in Natukobenyo Village: This is a UNHCR project benefiting both refugees and host communities. The contractor’s introduction involved all stakeholders, including the chief, and public participation. No bribery was involved, and the chief is welcome to provide evidence if he claims otherwise.
2. Kalobeyei Water Users Association: As a former chairperson, I confirm elections were transparent, with all stakeholders involved. I am not a signatory to the association and cannot authorize transactions without the county’s approval.
3. Kalobeyei Sand Harvesters Group: I introduced reforms to save money for a sand-loading excavator and provide for vulnerable members of the community. However, some members, including the chief, resisted these changes due to personal interests. The chief reportedly misused Ksh 70,000 from the group for media purposes.
4. Atoo Peace Community-Based Organisation: Atoo Peace won the cleaning services tender through competitive interviews, creating employment opportunities for Kalobeyei youths. I am not a signatory to this CBO.
5. Kalobeyei Integrated Travellers Group: The group, managed by Kalobeyei residents, has 30 staff from both the refugee and host communities. I merely encouraged them to ensure they submit annual returns.
6. NGO Reporting: NGOs are invited by the ward administrator, not through the chief’s office. The chief’s insistence on bypassing the administrator undermines the balance of power.
7. Incomplete Lokwanyia Borehole: The project was under the former regime, led by Joseph Nyanga. I only noticed discrepancies in its status after my term began.
8. Natiira Power Station: I advocated for Corporate Social Responsibility projects alongside the power station. The chief, however, accepted money from the investor without fulfilling these terms.
9. Alleged Assault by the Chief: This issue is politically motivated. The matter is under investigation, and it’s being handled by the relevant authorities. The chief has also been accused of sabotaging county projects and benefiting from Kalobeyei Secondary School tenders and relief food theft.
I am committed to transparency and will account for my tenure as MCA Kalobeyei based on factual evidence, not political rhetoric.
Hon. Julius Edung Apuron
Minority Whip
MCA, Kalobeyei Ward
