Machakos County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for the department of Water, Irrigation, Environment, Sanitation and Climate Change Mr. Onesmus Muia. Photo Courtesy. 
By Ryan Mumo
The Machakos County Government has dismissed allegations of irregularities in the procurement and distribution of hermetic bags by the Department of Water, Irrigation, Environment, Sanitation, and Climate Change, terming the reports misleading and based on erroneous information.
Addressing the media in Machakos, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for the department, Mr. Onesmus Muia, clarified that the controversy stemmed from inaccuracies in the County Assembly’s review of the 2023/2024 financial year performance report.
“Our attention has been drawn to yesterday’s County Assembly debate and plenary review of the 2023/2024 financial year performance report for the Departments of Environment and Climate Change,” said Mr. Muia. “We wish to set the record straight that the information provided by the department was accurate.”
According to the CECM, the confusion arose after the Assembly secretariat allegedly misrepresented data on the quantities and distribution of the hermetic bags.
“We are particularly surprised by the issue of the hermetic bags. While the department submitted the correct information regarding quantities and beneficiaries, the secretariat erred in recording the figures,” he explained.
Mr. Muia clarified that the department procured 48,800 hermetic bags at a unit cost of Ksh 480, amounting to Ksh 23.4 million, which were distributed to 9,760 beneficiaries across the county.
He underscored the need for collaboration and responsible communication between the County Assembly and the Executive to avoid misleading the public.
“We fully recognize the oversight role of the County Assembly. However, it must be exercised in good faith and with adequate consultation to ensure the public receives accurate information,” he stated.
The CECM also expressed disappointment over what he termed as premature public statements by some Assembly members before verifying the facts.
“A few members went ahead to issue press statements based on incorrect information, which were aired by several media outlets. This has the potential to damage the image of the Executive and was unnecessary,” he lamented.
Mr. Muia demanded a formal apology from the concerned members and urged for improved cooperation going forward.
“We therefore demand an apology through the same media platforms. In future, we welcome dialogue and consultation on such sensitive matters to prevent misinformation and unnecessary public alarm,” he said.
The CECM reaffirmed the department’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery to the people of Machakos.
