A major political storm is brewing in Uasin Gishu County after residents of Ngenyilel Ward accused Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim of overseeing a controversial bursary distribution exercise allegedly marred by favoritism, discrimination, and financial irregularities.

The residents, who spoke during a heated public gathering in the ward, claimed that deserving students from local families were unfairly excluded from the bursary programme while non-residents and members of one particular community allegedly benefited disproportionately from the allocation.

The allegations have triggered anger across the ward, with frustrated parents and youth demanding immediate intervention and accountability from county leaders.

At the centre of the controversy is the claim that millions of shillings meant to support needy students cannot be fully accounted for. According to Ngenyilel MCA Benjamin Natui, the ward had been allocated Sh6 million for bursaries, but only cheques worth Sh3.8 million were issued during the exercise.

Natui alleged that the bursary issuance was carefully orchestrated to conceal the possible misappropriation of public funds, raising serious concerns about transparency within the county administration.

“The people of Ngenyilel deserve answers. If the allocation was Sh6 million, why were cheques worth only Sh3.8 million issued? Where is the remaining money?” posed the MCA amid cheers from angry residents.

He further accused local administrators of manipulating the beneficiary list and sidelining genuine applicants from the ward. According to the MCA, several vulnerable families who had applied for bursaries were shocked to discover that their children had not been included despite meeting all the required criteria.

The residents accused the ward administrator of allegedly colluding with powerful county officials to influence the distribution process. Some claimed that names of students from outside the ward mysteriously appeared on the beneficiaries’ list while local students from struggling families were left out.

“We feel betrayed. This bursary money is meant to help needy children from this ward continue with their education, but the process has been turned into a scheme that benefits a few connected individuals,” lamented one resident during the meeting.

Parents expressed fears that many students could be forced to stay home due to unpaid school fees, arguing that bursaries are a lifeline for many struggling households facing harsh economic conditions.

The controversy has now escalated into political pressure against Governor Bii’s administration, with residents demanding the immediate removal of the ward administrator and the launch of independent investigations into the alleged misuse of funds.

Some youth leaders from the ward threatened to stage demonstrations if the county government fails to provide a clear breakdown of how the bursary funds were allocated and distributed.

“This is public money and leaders must be accountable. We cannot remain silent while our children suffer and funds disappear under suspicious circumstances,” said another resident.

The matter is expected to ignite fresh political debate within the county assembly, especially amid growing scrutiny over the management of devolved funds in several counties across the country.

Political analysts say the bursary dispute could dent Governor Bii’s image among grassroots supporters if the concerns raised by residents are not addressed quickly and transparently.

The governor, who has repeatedly pledged to promote fairness and inclusivity in service delivery, is now under pressure to respond to the allegations and restore public confidence in the bursary programme.

Efforts to obtain an official response from the county government and the ward administrator were unsuccessful by the time of publication.

As tensions continue to rise in Ngenyilel Ward, residents insist they will not back down until those responsible are held accountable and every cent meant for needy students is properly explained.