Governor Ruto, Laboso differ in public over Government medical equipment

Sotik MP Dr Joyce Laboso welcomes Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto during the burial of Chemagel MCA David Rotich's mother catherine Taprandich in Sotik.(PHOTO BY GILBERT KIMUTAI)

Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto and National Assembly Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso publicly differed over the controversial medical equipment initiated by the national government.

Dr Laboso set the ball rolling by asking the governor to sign to allow the national government to supply the equipment.

Laboso said it was prudent for Governor Ruto to sign to stop the agony of the electorate seeking treatment outside while they can receive the same locally.

"It is our hope that you as the governor sign for the supply of those equipment so that they can be supplied quickly because, as it stands now, many people continue to troop hospitals outside the county to seek treatment which they can receive here at home," said Laboso

Speaking during the burial of Chemagel Ward Representative David Rotich's mother Catherine Taprandich in Sotik on Saturday, Laboso said the county should be able to stand for itself with up-to-date medical equipment.

However, Mr Ruto said he could not sign blindly, without having the full details of the deal. Ruto said it was surprising the medical equipment include trolleys and scissors, which can be bought locally.

HIRING TROLLEYS

"Must it be me to sign for the supply of the equipment. Why can't you also sign so that we can receive the equipment," Ruto told the Deputy Speaker, adding: "Why do we want to waste public funds by hiring scissors and trolleys which can be bought cheaply. If need be, only sophisticated medical equipments should be hired," Ruto said.

He however said they were almost arriving at a consensus with the national government on the equipment.

"The deal will be reached soon but the condition should not be that governors append their signatures before the supply of the equipment," Ruto said.

Ruto  also said the national government should ensure enough funds are devolved to support functions and change lives.

He said it was unfortunate that the national government has continued to hold onto huge chunks of funds yet it has just a few functions.

"Counties need enough money to roll out the functions that have been devolved and it would be ironical to condemn counties for failing to perform yet they are not sufficiently funded," he added.

Ruto said through the Pesa Mashinani initiative, counties will not condone attempts to roll back devolution gains by denying them funds.

"Even if it means going for a referendum to ensure that enough funds are given to counties, so be it," he said.