Youth leaders in Bomet County have announced the temporary suspension of their planned demonstrations over alleged embezzlement of county funds. The decision, which has garnered widespread attention, comes as the county is embroiled in a corruption scandal, but the youth leaders emphasized the need to respect the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
The protests, which had been scheduled for November 6, were organized in response to accusations of financial mismanagement within the county government, which is said to have lost Sh1.2 billion through fraudulent payments made by senior officials. The allegations have led to public outrage, with many residents demanding accountability from the local leadership. However, Diaz Kimutai, a prominent youth leader, stated that the protests would be postponed in light of the national exams. “The public should be aware that a decision has been made to temporarily postpone the peaceful protests against corrupt individuals in the county,” Kimutai explained during a press briefing in Bomet town.
The postponement of the demonstrations was a result of consultations between youth leaders, education officials, teachers’ unions, clergy, school heads, and parents’ associations. Kimutai explained that the primary reason for this decision was to ensure that the ongoing KCSE exams, which are crucial for thousands of students, would not be disrupted in any way. “We don’t want the national exercise to be disrupted in any way,” he said, further assuring the public that the decision was made in the best interest of students sitting for their exams.
In the face of growing frustration over the alleged misuse of public funds, the youth leaders assured the public that their commitment to fighting corruption in Bomet remains unwavering. Kimutai dispelled rumors that the postponement was a result of political interference or pressure from county officials. He stated that no compromises had been made, reaffirming their dedication to justice. “This decision has been made to respect the ongoing national examinations. We want to ensure that students can focus on their exams without any external distractions,” he reiterated.
Despite the suspension, the leaders have promised that the protests will be rescheduled for a later date, once the exams are completed. The leaders’ call for patience among the residents was echoed by Vitaline Cherotich, another youth leader, who expressed the importance of taking action against corruption at the local level. “We will announce another day for the protests, and we urge the public to stand with us in the fight for accountability,” Cherotich said.
Bomet County has been under intense scrutiny over the alleged embezzlement of public funds, with investigations led by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). Last month, EACC officers raided the homes and offices of several senior officials in the county, confiscating documents and conducting further searches at the county headquarters. These actions follow a series of corruption allegations, which are now being investigated by the EACC.
The youth leaders have applauded the EACC for its proactive approach in addressing the scandal. Kimutai expressed support for the commission’s ongoing investigations and the summons that have been issued to county officials. “We applaud the EACC for the steps they have taken so far regarding the numerous summons made. However, we believe more needs to be done to ensure those responsible for the loss of public funds are held accountable,” he said.
Moreover, the youth leaders have called for the resignation of officials implicated in the corruption scandal, including those named by the county assembly, EACC, and other government bodies. Cherotich also urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to look into pending bills and alleged forgeries within some county departments. “We are calling on the public to come out in large numbers when the protests are rescheduled. It is our civil right to demand accountability for the mismanagement of our resources,” she stated.
The corruption scandal continues to dominate conversations in Bomet, with the EACC and other government bodies working to uncover the truth. In the meantime, the youth have shown that their commitment to transparency and justice remains resolute, with plans to resume their protests as soon as the exams are completed. The residents of Bomet are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the investigations, hoping for justice in the face of widespread corruption.
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