JAMILA'S MEMO: Show of shame in Londiani

Dancing on Londiani accident victims' graves, that was the headline of a local daily; the story detailing how Ksh.13.6 million that was collected to help victims and families of those affected in the Londiani accident was misused. 53 people lost their lives and 24 sustained serious injuries in the accident that drastically changed the lives of many.

Some would say why should it shock you? I mean that’s how things have always been here, we are known for not letting be slipped by an opportunity to pocket money that is not meant for us. But there should be some humanity in taking money meant to help victims in hospitals and families who lost those they depended on.

After the accident, a fundraising was held where Ksh.13.6 million was raised and promises were made on how the families would be helped. The National Government promised to give Ksh.300,000 to those who lost loved ones while those injured would get Ksh.200,000. This was separate from the money raised.

Now, questions were raised after a breakdown was given on how the money collected was spent. A report by a committee of 11 showed that a significant portion of the funds was used for purposes other than the original intention. The committee chaired by Kericho County Secretary Wesley Bor approved the expenditure of the money on hospital bills, printing, lunch, refreshments, transport, security and tents.

It emerged that families were given a fraction of what was promised. Those who lost their loved ones were given Ksh.90,000 each while survivors were given Ksh.60,000 each.

What surprised many were revelations that over Ksh.3 million were paid to hospitals, despite promises by the Kericho County Government that it was going to waive the hospital and mortuary fee for the victims. Explanations over this are that the county had to still pay for specialized treatment given to some of the crash victims.

Some of the money was said to have been used for fuel, security meetings, lunches, refreshments and airtime. There was also money spent on field preparation, grass cutting and garbage collection. Funds were also used for transport, refreshment, printing and other expenses by the committee. There is even Ksh.100,000 that was indicated as the pastor's facilitation fee.

This money was used for everything else other than what it was intended for, that is to help families that were deeply affected by this tragedy. 

Although there have been claims that no funds were misappropriated, the DCI has indicated that it has taken statements from at least 10 families of the victims as investigations into how the money was spent began. 

The county is also probing the allegations as we wait for the outcome of the investigations and the probes, it is still baffling how this could have happened. 

I am not making any accusations here but misappropriating this money is a clear case of walking around with a dead soul. People seem to have lost the basic ability to get embarrassed and the capacity to feel ashamed…hatuoni haya! Pole pole tunapoteza utu wetu.