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Ranneberger urges Government to stamp out graft

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Published on Monday, 08 February 2010 05:05

US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger said his country would not condone corruption and called on the Government to fight the vice.

Speaking in Kitutu Chache Constituency in Kisii, the envoy said the suspension of Sh530 million meant for capacity building in the Ministry of Education remains until proper investigation is carried out.

Mr Elkana Ongesa, an artist, explains a point to US envoy Michael Ranneberger (left) at Nyabioto in Kisii, Sunday. Bonchari MP Charles Onyancha (second left) and Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister Richard Onyonka accompanied the diplomat.

He, however, was non-committal on whether Education Minister Sam Ongeri should be sacked.

"The money we suspended was for capacity building, it has nothing to do with children going to school. It is suspended until further investigation is conducted. It is not I to decide who is to be sacked," said the envoy.

Three MPs at the function supported Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s call for the sacking of Ongeri and his PS Karega Mutahi over the missing FPE funds.

Kitutu Chache MP Richard Onyonka said the PM’s assertion was not unique to Ongeri, as other ministers like Amos Kimunya and Kiraitu Murungi had resigned in the past to pave the way for investigation.

Bomachoge MP Simon Ogari asked President Kibaki to take action against the two individuals saying they have to answer for corruption cases under their docket, as his Bonchari counterpart, Charles Onyancha said the PM was right to call for their sacking to allow for independent investigation.