Anger and disbelief gripped the Ashmun Street Dusty Road Community after former District #7 representative candidate Madam Kebbeh Collins ordered the retrieval of a water tank she had donated during her 2023 election campaign.
Residents expressed shock as the tank—originally provided to help the community survive the dry season—was hauled away to the Ashmun Street Police Station amid a bitter dispute between Collins and local leaders.
According to eyewitness accounts, Collins reportedly summoned community elders to the station after they allegedly refused her initial demand to return the donated item. Under police supervision, an elder signed a written acknowledgment agreeing to the tank’s removal, a move residents described as coerced and humiliating.
Community members claim the conflict traces back to Collins’ former chairman, Mr. Rufus Chea, who recently reconciled with the current district lawmaker, Hon. Emmanuel Dahn, during a district meeting Collins herself attended. Some allege Collins views Chea’s defection as a personal betrayal, using the water tank retrieval as political retaliation rather than a legitimate ownership claim.
“This isn’t about the water tank—it’s about settling scores with her ex-chairman,” one resident told DKNN. “She handed him over to the lawmaker for ‘district unity,’ but now she’s punishing the community for it.”
The incident has reignited memories of similar controversies, with locals claiming Collins previously reclaimed campaign donations from the Front Street Community.
As Madam Collins reportedly eyes a third run for the District #7 seat in 2029, the Ashmun Street residents are left questioning her commitment to the people. “What message will she bring us next time?” one elder asked. “Promises today, takebacks tomorrow?”
The controversy highlights growing tensions over campaign gifts and political loyalty in Liberia’s electoral landscape, with residents vowing to hold candidates accountable.
