A Section of Former Governors summoned over Missing documents and payment vouchers; LIST of Governors
A Section of Former Governors summoned: The comes after their successors expressed that they are not in position to explain the expenditures to the Senate oversight committees citing lack of documents and payment vouchers.
Among those whose successors said they did not find documents are James Ongwae (Kisii), Francis Kimemia (Nyandarua) and Amason Kingi (Kilifi)
The chairman Godfrey Osotsi underscored that his committee will summon the former governors and other officials to present evidence and supporting documents on the expenditures.
For instance, Kisii Governor Simba Arati revealed that he could not explain how close to Sh400 million bursary funds budgeted for between 2019 and 2022 was spent.
The only approval for the withdrawal of the funds was a communication in form of a memo between the then finance and education chief officers.
“I am unable to get some documents to fully resolve these issues. The committee should consider summoning the former governor to come and explain some of these expenditures,” Arati said.
“It is a bad practice which I have stopped. If you borrow money, then it must be refunded. If anyone does not follow the law, then disciplinary action should take its course,” he added.
Asked what had happened to the funds, an officer from the Auditor General’s office said the county government said it spent the money to paying cleaners on strike.
Similar incident happened in Nyandarua where the former governor Kimemia is set to explain expenditures of close to Sh50 million.
His successor, Governor Kiarie Badilisha, informed the committee he could not explain the spending due to lack of documentation.
”I’m unable to answer any questions in the absence of these documents. This Senate should summon the former governor,” he said.