Senate Committee Summons Former West Pokot Governor Over Unpaid Loans
The Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds has summoned former West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo and his deputy Nicholas Atundonyang to explain why they have defaulted on substantial car and mortgage loans. The summons follows an audit report highlighting significant arrears owed to the county’s Car Loan and Mortgage Scheme Fund for the 2023/2024 financial year.
The committee, chaired by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, met with current Governor Simon Kachapin to review the Auditor-General’s findings. The audit revealed that 22 borrowers had defaulted on loans totaling KSh 59.2 million, with eight former county officials leaving office owing KSh 55.6 million. Notably, Mr. Lonyangapuo owes KSh 22.48 million, while his former deputy Atundonyang is responsible for KSh 23.52 million.
Governor Kachapin informed the committee that despite issuing demand letters and threatening legal action, recovery efforts against the high-profile defaulters have largely been 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, he said. Senator Raphael Chimera encouraged the governor to remain optimistic, noting that the legal process would eventually ensure accountability. Governor, let the lawyers go to court. Have faith in your lawyers that they can deal with this matter, he advised.
Senator Osotsi emphasized the committee’s determination to hold the former county leaders accountable. The committee resolves to summon the former governor to appear before this committee to respond as to 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 the former governor and his deputy to appear and provide explanations for the outstanding debts. Observers say the case highlights ongoing challenges in recovering public funds and ensuring financial accountability among former county officials, a critical aspect of good governance in devolved units.