West Pokot County Commissioner (CC), Apollo Okello, has cautioned residents against falling prey to corruption, noting that they stand to lose money to emerging conmen masquerading as public officials, offering essential government services.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Makutano Stadium, Apollo mentioned that corruption had become so ingrained among Kenyans, paving the way for conmen to take advantage.
He revealed that cases of residents being issued with fake birth certificates have emerged within the county, especially in areas of Kacheliba, blaming it on people believing in bribery.
The CC said some unpatriotic individuals were taking advantage of the culture of corruption among Kenyans to con innocent people, calling on the residents to use the laid-down government protocols when seeking government services.
“We have received information that some people have lost as much as Sh3,000 to some individuals who print them fake birth certificates. You can now see how corruption has become so entrenched in our society. You only need Sh 150, and you must be given a receipt to get a birth certificate. Most government services are free,” said Okello.
The CC warned public officers against abetting corruption at their places of work since they were employed to serve the people without demanding any favours.
He asked both the National and the County Governments’ employees to collaborate in serving residents without favour, since that is what will make them heroes.
“We even have some jobseekers who think that they can bribe so as to be employed. That is not how government officers are employed,” he insisted.
Meanwhile, the CC called on all leaders in the region to practice caution during public speeches to avoid creating tension among neighbouring communities.
Okello mentioned that there have been cases of community tension along the county borders, asking area leaders to engage in peace talks instead of chest-thumping.
“We have been enjoying peaceful coexistence with our neighbours from Turkana, but it seems after the elections, conflicts have emerged,” said Okello.
He also asked communities living along the border with Uganda to embrace peace, noting that livestock farmers from Kenya most of the time migrate to the neighbouring country to feed their animals.
Area Governor Simon Kachapin echoed similar sentiments and called on fellow leaders to practice restraint when talking about the conflicts along the borders.
“We should focus on living peacefully since we are all Kenyans and we have the right to stay anywhere within the country. Some of us come from here, but we own property in other areas, and we are accepted,” he advised.
He called for community engagement on peace, regretting the tensions that were being reported along the borders.
Other leaders present during the occasion included County Senator Julius Murgor, Woman Representative Rael Kasiwai, and Kapenguria Legislator Samuel Moroto.
By Richard Muhambe
