Corruption Scandal Rocks Busia County Sports Department
"Corruption Scandal Rocks Busia Sports Dept: Stakeholders allege Chief Officer Dennis Ngira withheld funds meant for teams participating in Governor's Cup, threaten boycott & demos."
Stakeholders of Teens of Hope and Busijo football clubs that participated in the Busia County Governor’s Cup organized by Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma have come forward to expose alleged corruption and fraud within the Busia County Department of Culture and Sports.
They claim that the Chief Officer of Sports , Dennis Ngira, has failed to release funds that were promised to some teams, despite the money having been allocated as participation prizes for the Governor Otuoma tournament.
They argue that financial scandals within the department were taking root, noting that a similar incident had previously occurred under the same official’s leadership.
They warn that such practices are likely to stifle and eventually kill youth talent in Busia County.
As a result, the stakeholders have vowed to mobilize several clubs to boycott any sports competitions organized by the Busia County Government.
They have issued a two-day ultimatum to the officer to release the funds, failure to which they will stage demonstrations at the governor’s offices in pursuit of justice.
During the finals of the Governor’s cup held at Malaba Township Comprehensive School grounds last weekend, County Executive Committee member for culture and sports, Olunga Paul Ekwenye announced that all teams that played from quarterfinals stages to finals would receive Ksh70,000 being equal share of Ksh1.5million
donated by ODM party leader Dr Oburu Odinga, who graced the finals who graced the finals.
Ateker FC, which won the men's title, walked away with the championship trophy, KSh 1 million in prize money, and an additional KSh 70,000. Runners-up Okimaru FC received KSh 500,000 plus KSh 70,000.
In the women’s category, Mungatsi Ladies pocketed KSh 570,000, while Hakati Queens received KSh 270,000. The CECM said all teams that played in the quarters should submit their names for their share of Ksh70,000.
