Mandera County is once again in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. A recent post on X by Zakir Hassan has exposed what appears to be a case of blatant misuse of public funds.
The County Secretary, Billow, has been spotted in Dubai, flaunting a luxury car that many believe was hired using stolen money. This revelation has sparked outrage among residents, who are struggling with hunger and thirst despite the county receiving a massive 12 billion shillings annually.
Billow’s sudden rise in wealth has raised eyebrows. Before MAK became governor, he was just an ordinary man with limited means. However, since this administration took over, his lifestyle has dramatically changed, reflecting the deep-rooted corruption that plagues the county. The sight of a top county official enjoying extravagant luxuries in Dubai while the people of Mandera suffer has only fueled suspicions of embezzlement and mismanagement of public resources.
Mandera is a county that has long struggled with harsh conditions, including drought, food shortages, and a lack of clean water. The 12 billion shillings allocated every year should be enough to address these problems, yet nothing seems to change.
Instead, those in power continue to enrich themselves at the expense of the people. Many residents still rely on food aid, and water scarcity remains a major issue. The contrast between the suffering of ordinary citizens and the lavish lifestyles of government officials is alarming.
The people of Mandera are now demanding answers. Where is the money going? Why are county officials living large while the public continues to struggle? These questions must be answered, and accountability must be enforced. Corruption in county governments has become a norm in Kenya, but cases like these cannot go unchallenged.
Leaders should be using public funds to improve the lives of the people, not to finance personal luxuries abroad.This case should be thoroughly investigated, and if the allegations are true, those responsible should face legal action.
It is time for county officials to understand that public office is a responsibility, not a ticket to wealth. The suffering in Mandera must end, and it can only happen if corruption is rooted out and resources are used for the benefit of the people.
