The Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds summoned former Governor John Lonyangapuo and his deputy Nicholas Atundonyang on Tuesday to explain why they failed to repay millions in car and mortgage loans, years after leaving office.
The committee, chaired by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, made the move after the Auditor-General’s 2023-2024 report exposed massive defaults in the county’s Car Loan and Mortgage Scheme Fund.
According to the audit, 22 county officials had defaulted on loans totaling Ksh 59.2 million. Eight former top officers, including the former governor and his deputy, are responsible for Ksh 55.6 million of that amount.
Lonyangapuo reportedly owes Ksh22.48 million, while Atundonyang’s debt stands at Ksh23.52 million, making them the two the largest defaulters in the county’s history.
Current Governor Simon Kachapin, who appeared before the committee on Tuesday, said his administration had exhausted nearly all avenues to recover the funds, but the former leaders had simply refused to pay up.
“We have made progress recovering from other defaulters, but the former Governor and his deputy have refused to service their loans,” Governor Kachapin told senators in the meeting. He added that they have little faith in the recovery of the funds, even though they are taking legal action. Senator Raphael Chimera urged Governor Kachapin to let his lawyers go to court to handle the matter.
“We have resolved to summon the former Governor to explain why he cannot honor his obligations,” Senator Osotsi declared. His insistence stemmed from the frustration that people in West Pokot are struggling to access basic services while the former governor owes such a large amount of money.
The committee is expected to set a date for Lonyangapuo and Atundonyang to appear before Parliament, in what could become one of the most closely monitored accountability hearings involving former county leaders. Kenya’s legal system will be questioned on whether it can effectively recover taxpayer money from those who were once in power.
