The Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds has summoned former West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo and his then deputy, Dr. Nicholas Atundonyang, to explain why they have allegedly failed to repay millions of shillings in car and mortgage loans advanced to them during their tenure in office.
The committee, chaired by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, met with current Governor Simon Kachapin to review the Auditor-General’s report on the county’s Car Loan and Mortgage Scheme Fund for the 2023/2024 financial year.
According to the audit, a total of 22 beneficiaries have defaulted on loans amounting to Sh59,218,843. Of this, eight former county officials who left office owe Sh55,643,619. The report lists Mr. Lonyangapuo as owing Sh22,482,166, while his former deputy owes Sh23,524,195.
Governor Kachapin told the committee that while the county has had some success recovering funds from other defaulters, efforts to compel the former top officials to repay the loans have been largely unsuccessful.
“We have made progress recovering from other defaulters, but the former governor and his deputy have refused to service their loans. Even though we are taking legal action, we have little faith in the recovery,” Governor Kachapin said.
Kilifi Senator Raphael Chimera urged the county boss to remain confident in the legal process.
“Governor, let the lawyers go to court. Have faith in your lawyers that they can deal with this matter,” he said.
Senator Osotsi, however, insisted that the committee will not allow the matter to go unaddressed.
“The committee resolves to summon the former governor to appear before this committee to explain why he cannot honor his obligations. He cannot be sitting with such an amount yet the people of West Pokot are in dire need of basic services,” he stated.
The committee is expected to set a date for Lonyangapuo and Dr. Atundonyang to appear and account for the outstanding loans.
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