Kisumu Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga has said her fight against corruption is not political alignment to 2017 polls but genuine crusade against the vice.
She said that it is the duty of elected leaders to safeguard public resources to better the lives of Kisumu residents.
Speaking to the press in Kisumu town on Monday, she said her stand in fighting corruption should not be perceived as a political scheme.
“When you see me talking about or questioning any alleged corruption it is in the interest of public and not politics,” Ruth said.
The deputy governor said the executive and county assembly should be held responsible in case of corruption at the county government.
Ruth said county dockets are headed by executive and chief officers who should be held responsible for misappropriation of public funds in their dockets.
“If there is corruption in a particular department, the executive committee member, chief officers and any other officials involved should be answerable,” Ruth said.
She asked the public to scrutinise the county government expenditure records to help in weeding out possible corruption cases.
Ruth said residents should be involved in any development activities to avoid rumours and propaganda that will only derail county growth.
She also challenged civil society to carry out watchdog roles effectively to spur county developments.
Ruth said public and civil societies should closely monitor and participate during county budget process for accountability and transparency.
She also asked the MCAs to improve on their oversight and legislation role to enable the county government realise its development agenda.
Ruth asked the executive and assembly to work together for the benefit of the county residents.
“It is not yet time for politics but development. We must ensure that we have something to show the people when we go back for re-elections in 2017,” she said.