Samburu MP Under Fire as Residents Protest ‘Ksh15m Statue’ Erected at Girls’ School
Residents of Archers Post and a section of parents from Uaso Girls Secondary School in Samburu East have staged protests over the erection of a statue of area Member of Parliament Jackson Lekumontare at the school, sparking controversy over the alleged misuse of public funds.
The demonstrators claim that money meant for development projects was diverted to construct the statue, which they allege cost up to Ksh15 million. The monument, which has already been installed, has drawn sharp criticism from locals who say the funds could have been better spent addressing urgent education needs in the area.
During a visit to the institution, the statue was found standing just a few metres from the school’s main entrance, making it a prominent feature within the learning environment. Its placement and symbolism have become a flashpoint in the ongoing dispute.
Angry residents have now called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to intervene and investigate the source of the funds used for the project, amid growing public pressure for accountability.
One local resident, David Lokia, questioned the priorities behind the installation, arguing that even national leaders do not engage in similar practices using public resources.
“Kitu kubwa ni hiyo pesa kutumika kununua hiyo sanamu yenye iko ndani ya shule, na mkienda mtaona sanamu iko hapo. Na hata Rais wetu ambaye tunampenda Ruto hajawahi kuweka picha yake kwa pesa, hajaiweka State House, hajaiweka kwa shule anazojenga, na hata hajaiweka kwa affordable houses ambazo ziko hapa,” Lokia said.
Parents echoed the same frustrations, saying the alleged amount could have transformed the lives of students struggling to continue their education due to financial hardship.
“Nimesikia hii sanamu imetengenezwa na 15 million, na kuna watoto wanatarmack hapa. Hawapati bursary ya kwenda university, hawapati ya kwenda colleges. Na hiyo 15 million kama wangepatia watoto, si tungekuwa mbali,” said Lenkopito Lepereko, a parent.
The accusations have, however, been strongly denied by both the Samburu East MP and the school administration.
Mr Lekumontare distanced himself from the project, insisting he neither funded nor had prior knowledge of the statue’s cost.
“Ata mimi sijui ni ngapi, sina habari, but we have never funded anything of that kind,” the MP stated.
In a detailed response, Uaso Girls Secondary School Principal Julia Lesupeer dismissed claims of public fund misuse, saying the decision to erect the statue was made independently by the school as a symbolic gesture.
“We were the ones as a school who decided that we were going to appreciate the school patron in our own way. We thought as a school we would appreciate him by installing that statue, and it has cost only Ksh150,000 using our own proceeds from the garden,” she explained.
According to the school leadership, the statue was meant to honour the MP in his capacity as the school’s patron, citing his role in initiating several development projects that have benefited the institution.
Despite these explanations, the controversy shows no signs of dying down, with residents insisting that an independent probe is necessary to establish the truth and restore public trust. The unfolding row highlights growing sensitivity around public spending, leadership symbolism in schools, and the widening gap between community needs and perceived political priorities.
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Samburu MP Under Fire as Residents Protest ‘Ksh15m Statue’ Erected at Girls’ School