Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho at a past function. [Photo/standardmedia.co.ke]

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The county government of Mombasa will not tolerate unscrupulous suppliers, Governor Hassan Joho has said. The Governor said suppliers in the county have been inflating the costs of different products, adding that his government has no place for persons who want to loot what belongs to the common mwananchi.Joho noted that he refused to approve payment for insect sprays and antibacterial soaps after the suppliers exaggerated the prices. “On Wednesday a voucher was brought for payment... How can you sell one insect spray at Sh3,000? How daft do you think we are? Who are you to sell it to us at Sh3,000? It is supposed to be Sh200. You can just top up Sh50 and sell at Sh250,” said Joho.“Antibacterial soaps each averaging Sh300 were sold to the county for Sh2,500,” he added, as quoted by The Star.The Governor said the county government has roads to construct, health facilities to improve and huge debts to pay thus cannot afford to lose cash to unscrupulous suppliers.“We have huge debts to pay. Roads can’t be constructed or hospitals improved,” said Joho.Mombasa Finance and Economic Planning CeC Maryann Mbaruk said the suppliers risk losing more than Sh4.8 billion if the Governor makes good his threat, as the payments are yet to be done. The county boss also said he will consult with other governors to determine how much suppliers should be paid for different items. “I must have a conversation with the other 46 governors. We must scrutinise the procurement process,” said Joho.