From: Leo Odera Omolo
  Kisumu
  30/07/07
  leooderaomolo at yahoo dot com

MASENO UNIVERSITY WORKERS SWEAR FRESH AFFIDAVIT ADMITTING MASSIVE THEFT OF BUILDING MATERIALS FROM THE INSTITUTION.

By Arrum Tidi.

The embattled Maseno University came into focus once again when a group of its casual workers launched scathing attack on the institution’s management.

Four of the casuals, Luka Owacho Nditi, Duncan Muwala Nyawira, Nelson Obando and Charles Otieno last week swore an affidavit before the Commission of Oaths on how the institution is stinking in corruption.

The corruption, they said, revolves around the employment of casuals who are forced to part with 1,000/-, and continuous payment of bribes of either 300/- by non – artisans or 500/- by artisans on a fortnightly basis, to supervisors in order to maintain their employment.

The workers have further alleged in their affidavit that there are demands of other kinds of payment or incentives by supervisors as Harambee funds collection periodically.

They have alleged that there existed a room for payment to ghost casual workers, people who have never worked for Maseno University and whose names have been appearing in the payroll every month.

There existed illegal sale of permits by internal security at 500/- each, paid by outsiders to cut grass for fodder within the University farm and also in the compound.

There existed secret plan for resale of ballast, mined from the University premised, to the same institution.

Casual workers are employed by Maseno and retained in that status for too long, sometimes even for over ten years in complete breach of relevant labour laws.

‘’Over the years, we have witnessed the massive thefts of building materials and equipment bought by Maseno University by two supervisors, namely Mr. Patrick Simiyu Wanjala and Mr. Fredrick Omukhongo.

The theft which have included over 120 rolls of chain link fencing wires, over 50 rolls of barbed wires, over 140 bags of cement, about 50 pre – painted (blue) roofing iron sheets, two block moulders, one large Roto – plastic water tank.

We have also witnessed the illegal sale / private use of bricks made within the Maseno University to private individuals.

The affidavit further revealed that the materials and equipment stolen at diverse dates have been transported away outside the University in private motor vehicles particularly a pick up Rg. No. KAH 648 J, a white Nissan pick – up Rg. No. KAC 007Z and Mitsubishi Canter Rg. No. KAP 062 N.

We are aware of our own knowledge that the items stolen from Maseno University have been used in the construction of private buildings for Mr. Patrick Wanjala Simiyu and Mr. Fredrick Omukhongo.

The workers said they have informed the V.C. who is the CEO of Maseno University Prof. Fredrick Onyango of these acts of corruption and thefts, but surprisingly as a cosequence of our action we were summarily sacked and barred from entering the Maseno University premises.!!

Any worker who has witnessed frequent acts of theft and corruption and is suspected of not approving of the same is sacked summarily!

We swear this affidavit jointly to reveal to the relevant authorities the extent of corruption and theft within the estates Department of Maseno University, with the hope that forensic audit may be carried out for the good of the University and the Kenyan public. We are willing to give further information and clarification of the issues.

We have raised herein our affidavit, which we will notify is nothing but the truth according to our knowledge.

The affidavit was sworn before Mr. James Miruka Owuor a Kisumu based lawyer who is also a Commissioner of oath on 25th July 2007.

It was later handed over to the Regional Co-ordinator of the Federal Party of Kenya (FFK) Mr. John Bruno Oloo.

Meanwhile Mr. Oloo has dismissed the letter sent to him by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Prof. Korega Mutahi.

Prof. Mutahi had written to Mr. Oloo acknowledging his letter dated 25th April, which was addressed to the Minister Prof. George Saitoti, in which he had listed all the complaints against the management and Administration of Maseno University, and called for the inquiry to be conducted by a competent team of financial experts and technicians to establish the truth about the alleged excessive arrogance and poor management style of the Maseno V.C. Prof. Fredrick Onyango.

Mr. Oloo alleged that Prof. Mutahi, though is the PS, is not competent to write any reply since he is a member of the rotten Council of Maseno University and he is perhaps aware of the on goings and may be part of the mismanagement of the institution.

In his response, Prof. Mutahi wrote ‘’I have noted the content of your letter, and the various allegation that you have made. In order to assist the Ministry further investigate the matter, I will appreciate if you provide us with more details on the allegations”.

But Mr. Oloo angrily reacted by saying that the PS is part of the massive looting by virtue of himself being a member of the Maseno University Council, which has failed to administer the University resources effectively and efficiently. He was therefore not qualified to reply to his letter to the Minister. The Minister should reply, because he is an innocent and neutral, he said.

Ends.