Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-12 06:04:57
The Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds issued a directive on Monday, giving the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission a deadline of 30 days to investigate Lamu Governor Issa Timamy. This decision was made in response to concerns raised about irregular payments amounting to Ksh23,070,000 from the Lamu County Bursary Fund. The governor was accused of making these payments during the 2021/22 financial year without formal applications.
The Committee directed the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the matter, including allegations of coercion. Upon completion of the probe, the anti-graft commission is required to submit its findings to the Committee within the specified timeframe. The investigation was initiated based on a report from the Auditor-General, alleging misappropriation in the Lamu County Bursary Fund, Lamu County Executive Housing Fund, and Lamu County Emergency Fund.
In a parallel development, the committee held a meeting with Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu to address similar concerns raised by the Auditor-General regarding the Narok County Bursary Fund, the county’s Alcoholics Drinks Control Fund, Maasai Mara Support Fund, and the Narok County Revenue Fund. After reviewing the Auditor-General’s findings, the Committee directed the governor to rectify inaccuracies in the financial statements of the Narok County Bursary Fund and ensure timely submission of quarterly financial reports to the Controller of Budget. Failure to comply with these directives may lead to further investigations and potential prosecutions.
Senator Ledama Ole Kina had previously raised concerns about the misuse of public funds and abuse of office by Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu. Allegations included the irregular award of a Ksh1.6 billion tender to a Nairobi-based company for the supply of earth-moving equipment for Narok County. Additionally, delays in the release of education bursaries were attributed to unaccounted Ksh. 451 million and unpaid dues by the County, as stated by the Narok legislator.
In response to these allegations, Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu was directed to address the concerns raised and comply with the directives given by the Senate. The directive to the Narok governor follows a string of events involving financial mismanagement and potential corruption in both Lamu and Narok Counties. The Senate remains committed to upholding accountability and transparency in the management of public funds across all counties to ensure the welfare and development of the citizens.
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