Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka is once again under scrutiny, this time for his extravagant spending during the recent Madaraka Day celebrations. Reports reveal that the governor allocated an astounding Ksh25 million solely for flowers, sparking outrage among the younger generation, particularly Gen Zs, who are demanding accountability.

In a press briefing, Lusaka defended the expenditure, clarifying that the hefty sum was part of a larger budget aimed at urban beautification. According to Lusaka, the flower planting was concentrated along the Musikoma-Kanduyi road, near the Masinde Muliro Stadium, a key venue for the celebrations.

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However, this was just a fraction of the total spending. The county’s overall budget for the event reached Ksh148 million. Among the significant allocations were:

– Billboards and Signage: Ksh18 million.

– Education and Vocational Training: Ksh1 million.

– Roads and Civil Works: Ksh24.8 million.

– County Handbook Preparation: Ksh5 million.

– Advertising and Publicity: Ksh15.5 million, with Ksh1.5 million for digital advertising and Ksh8 million for media mobilization.

– Completion of Masinde Muliro Stadium Phase 1:Ksh60 million.

The flower expenditure has particularly struck a chord, seen by many as symbolic of misplaced priorities. Gen Zs, known for their vocal stance on governance and fiscal responsibility, are leading the charge for greater transparency and justification of such spending.

Governor Lusaka’s tenure has not been without controversy. In his previous term, he faced criticism for purchasing wheelbarrows at an exorbitant Ksh116,000 each, a move that drew widespread ridicule and condemnation.

As the debate over the Madaraka Day expenditures continues, it remains to be seen how Governor Lusaka will address the growing discontent among his constituents and whether further investigations into the county’s spending will be initiated.