- Prof. John Lonyangapuo acquitted in Ksh18 million maize procurement case.
- Court rules no laws were broken, and no public funds were lost.
- Direct purchase during hunger crisis deemed lawful emergency response.
- Seven other county officials and a trader also cleared.
Former West Pokot Governor Prof. John Lonyangapuo and seven co-accused have been acquitted in a long-standing procurement case involving the emergency purchase of maize worth Ksh18 million.
Eldoret Principal Magistrate Richard Odenyo ruled that no procurement laws were violated and confirmed that no money was lost in the transaction. The case, dating back eight years, centred around the County Government’s purchase of 5,000 bags of maize meant to assist vulnerable residents during a hunger crisis.
Also Read: Ruto Taken to Court Over Controversial Ksh1.2B Expenditure
The court accepted that the county followed proper procedures in procuring the maize through direct sourcing instead of open tendering. The emergency procurement was carried out amid an urgent food shortage, and the maize was sourced from Trans Nzoia County to avert starvation.
During his testimony, Prof. Lonyangapuo explained:
“I could not sit back and watch the people who elected me die of hunger simply because of red tape.”
He said the county cabinet had approved the emergency decision after assessing the critical situation on the ground.
Also Read: Court Cancels Speaker’s Title Deed, Declares Retired Teacher Rightful Landowner
The individuals acquitted alongside Lonyangapuo include: Mike Parklea (Former County Secretary), Solomon Mereng, Alice Chepkosgei, Joseph Lolamtumtu, Elvis Mwanga, Titus Mayech, Margaret Tuitoek (Trader involved in supply)
The group had been accused of breaching procurement rules, but the court found the accusations unsupported.
The ruling brings closure to a case that has dragged on for years and cast a shadow over the former governor’s public service record. Prof. Lonyangapuo and his co-accused consistently maintained their innocence, arguing that their actions were driven by the need to save lives during a crisis.
