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Siaya Governor James Orengo’s administration has embarked on a comprehensive audit of the sectors of development to stem corruption.

According to the governor, the two-week audit exercise seeks to verify the authenticity of the county’s pending bills, employment files, and procurement documents.

Speaking at the burial ceremony of Lucy Akinyi Odhiambo, the sister of Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, Orengo asked the public to give his leadership maximum support in their bid to clean the rot in the Siaya County Government.

Governor Orengo announced that he has already created a secretariat that will evaluate county reports.

“We have already put in place an audit committee that will review all the documents to a certain their authenticity,” Orengo said adding that corruption or the perception of it in the government strips the devolved unit’s reputation thereby exposing the constitution to mutilation and the country to anarchic takeover by cartels.

“Abandoning the principle of impartiality in decision-making through corruption significantly obstructs the enjoyment of basic human rights,” Orengo stated.

Orengo added that favouring personal interests fundamentally hinders the safeguarding duty of the public interest.

“My administration will work closely with all partners including the public to identify, expose and stem out culprits or entire cartels,” he added.

“This war cannot be won singly, we need to work together to secure the rule of law. My first agenda is to ensure Siaya is run on good governance that’s why have stopped payment of the pending bills and procurement processes till we complete the processes that would see its authenticity determined.”

Orengo further revealed that his administration will establish a platform that will allow whistleblowers to anonymously report cases of graft.

“The platform will allow the public to whistleblow any form of corruption without fear as that it’s the only strategy to mend messes that have engulfed Siaya,” Orengo disclosed.

The governor was accompanied by his deputy William Oduol and MPs Samwel Atandi (Alego/Usonga), Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo) and County Woman Representative Christine Ombaka.

Orengo’s sentiments were echoed by Oduol who insisted that their administration will be free of cartels.

“We won’t tire till we rid cartels from Siaya government,” Oduol said.

Oduol said one of their key points in the manifesto was to end corruption and that’s why his boss shelved the construction of the lavish residences that were going to consume the Ksh79 million.

“We are more concerned with issues that are of public interest such as drugs, bursary for the bright and needy and constant supply of water to all in Siaya,” he added.

Atandi vowed to give the county leaders the necessary support saying Siaya government must thrive in service delivery, especially after Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition Raila Odinga missed the presidency.

“I want to thank Orengo for stopping the construction of the palatial residences that was going to consume huge millions,” Atandi said.