By Agnetta Okwemba
Chama cha Uzalendo acting party leader Richard Onsongo has dismissed claims of conflict of interest against two Kwale county senior officials.
Onsongo said that those peddling conflict of interest claims against finance chief officer Alex Onduko and gender, youth and Culture executive committee member Francisca Kilonzo are busy bodies.
The rumors and alleged propaganda has resulted into the questioning of Kwale county’s integrity and administrative system.
Addressing Coast Times Digital in his office, Onsongo said that there has not been a single substantiated claim that can hold water apart from rumor mongers with hidden agenda.
“We have busy bodies using innocent youths to peddle rumors across social media. If anyone has evidence of claims we have EACC that has the mandate to investigate and take action,” he said.
Onsongo said that the opposition should give time to current governor Fatuma Achani to serve residents without using diversionary tactics or propaganda against her officers.
“Actually those who are raising corruption flags are the ones who are corrupt to the core and therefore they should be careful,” he claimed.
It is not clear if those championing the online campaign against some county government officials on alleged corruption scandals have the support of the opposition leaders in the area.
“Francisca and Onduko have done a good job in their positions. The claims being made about them are baseless and inaccurate,” said Onsongo.
He dismissed the notion that family members of those in power should not be awarded tenders.
A conflict of interest occurs when an individual’s personal interests-family, friendships, financial, or social factors – could compromise his or her judgment, decisions, or actions in the workplace.
Coast Times Digital can authoritatively report that the county officials have complied by disclosing a conflict of interest as soon as there has been a risk that a conflict or potential conflict might have arisen.
According to the conflict of interest law such steps should be taken as soon as one recognizes that a conflict might be perceived.
Government agencies take conflicts of interest so seriously that they are regulated.
Onsongo urged youths to stop being misused by politicians to spread propaganda assuring residents that Kwale governor Fatuma Achani administration is stable.