Senate Committee Summons Former West Pokot Governor Over Unpaid Loans

The Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds has summoned former West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo and his former deputy Nicholas Atundonyang to explain their failure to repay millions of shillings in car and mortgage loans.

The committee, chaired by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, convened a session with the current West Pokot Governor, Simon Kachapin, to review the Auditor-General’s report on the county’s Car Loan and Mortgage Scheme Fund for the 2023/2024 financial year.

According to the audit findings, 22 borrowers defaulted on loans totaling KSh 59.2 million, with eight former county officials—who have since left office—owing a combined KSh 55.6 million. Among the top defaulters are Lonyangapuo and Atundonyang, who allegedly owe KSh 22.48 million and KSh 23.52 million, respectively.

Governor Kachapin told the committee that his administration had issued several demand letters and even threatened legal action to recover the funds, but efforts had been largely unsuccessful—especially with high-profile former officials.

“We have made progress recovering from other defaulters, but the former governor and his deputy have refused to service their loans. Even though we are taking legal action, we have little faith in the recovery,” said Governor Kachapin.

Senator Raphael Chimera urged the county boss to remain confident in the legal process.

“Governor, let the lawyers go to court. Have faith in your lawyers that they can deal with this matter,” he advised.

Chairperson Osotsi, however, expressed strong disapproval of the situation and announced that the committee would summon the former county chiefs to personally respond to the allegations.

“The committee resolves to summon the former governor to appear before this committee to explain why he cannot honor his obligations. He cannot be sitting with such an amount while the people of West Pokot are in dire need of basic services,” Osotsi declared.

The Senate committee is expected to set a date for the former governor and his deputy to appear and account for the outstanding loans as part of ongoing efforts to enforce financial accountability among county leaders.