Controller of budget details how she was threatened to sign out ksh. 15B few days to August polls.
While appearing before the parliamentary committee, Mary Nyakongo, the controller of budget details how she was threatened to sign out a total of ksh. 15B.
Nyakang’o said she was threatened to approve Ksh.6 billion for buying Telcos and Ksh.9.5 billion from the annuity fund a few days to the August 9 polls.
She produced what she said was a conversation between her and former Treasury CS Ukur Yatani.
She stated that on August 4, 2022, CS Yatani wrote to Nyakang’o at 2:13 pm, saying “Good Afternoon, please also facilitate similar approvals for infrastructure ministry for amounts of Ksgs8B (sic) and Ksh.2.B.”
On the same day at 3:33 pm: the CS is said to have sent her a photo and wrote “Please help us expedite this.”
A minute later, Yatani wrote an Email stating, “H.E might even call you if we don’t deal with this by 4 pm.”
Then Mary wrote back questioning,”Are you saying we have 26 minutes to complete the process?”
Then Yatani replied,”He’s just called and I assured that I have spoken to you and that you promised by the end of the day.”
At 3.37pm, Yatani again writes,”I know he will call you again. He persuaded some guys to resume work and promised that their bill be settled by today.”
At 3.39 pm Mary replies,”The timing requires up to tomorrow as I am still out of office.”
Then Yatani writes,”You need to devise how to deal with it. I am sorry but try.”
When asked why she could not say no to the demands, Nyakongo replied saying it was situation she had no other choice
She stated,”There are very many things that we have to weigh before you arrive at that decision. But what I am saying is that there are loopholes that need to be assessed and my office needs to be protected.”
Also read Jail term and fines Matiang’i is to face after DCI finds him guilty