Senate summons former Turkana Governor Nanok over links to water firm

Nanok was summoned after the current  Governor Jeremiah Lomorkai appeared before the Senate County Public Investment and Special Funds Committee and revealed that Nanok was still a member of the board almost one year after leaving office. 

The Godfrey Osotsi-led committee now wants him to explain why he is a director at Turkana County Rural Water Services.

Osotsi has also directed the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to launch investigations into the water company and provide a preliminary report within 14 days.

“The committee has resolved to invite the former Governor Josphat Nanok alongside Jeremiah Lomurkai to address Lodwar Water Company, the resulting audit issues and past operations of the company on June 26, 2023,” charged Osotsi.

This is after the Committee established that Nanok alongside the County Attorney Erastus Ethekon, Joseph Emathe, and Christopher Imana are co-directors with Turkana County, which is also a shareholder.

The same persons are also directors in Turkana County Urban Water and Sewerage Services alongside Turkana County.

“We are directing the Office of the Auditor General to undertake a thorough forensic audit on the operation of the water facility firm and file a report within 60 days,” said Osotsi.

The committee also directed the devolved unit to provide detailed information on the 40 per cent share of Lodwar Water and Sanitation Company (LOWASCO) and the worth of shareholders.

Speaking when he appeared before the committee, Governor Lomurkai was at pains to explain how Turkana County is not the only shareholder in two water utility companies.

According to Lomurkai, Turkana County has the highest number of livestock in the country, adding that there was a need to have the two water companies provide clean drinking water for both human and animal consumption.

“We have the highest number of livestock in the country. It was necessary to have the two water firms to enable us to serve our people and their livestock,” said Lomurkai

Section 150 (1) of the Water Services Act states that all property, assets, rights, liabilities, obligations, agreements and other arrangements existing at the commencement of this Act and vested in, acquired, incurred or entered into by or on behalf of the Water Services Regulatory Board established by the Water Act.

Osotsi says the county should also provide an updated asset register, noting that there is Ksh. 1 million in the bank account for LOWASCO.

“We recommend that the County takes over the operations of the management of Lodwar Water and Sanitation Company within 90 days," he noted.