Senate issues summons to 5 governors for skipping audit queries

The Senate Public Investments Committee has issued summons to Nandi, Laikipia, Lamu, Muranga and Tharaka Nithi governors after failing to appear to respond to audit queries.

The committee chairperson, Senator Godfrey Osotsi, expressed his disappointment after receiving letters of non-attendance by some governors just a few minutes before the start of the meeting, while other counties have not even responded to their letters of invitation.

Senator Eddy Oketch recommended summons and tough actions against governors who did not respond, and that they have constitutional timelines to write a report and submit to the House.

Nandi Senator Samsom Cherargei described the action and excuses of the governors as ridiculous and demeaning to the integrity of the Senate. Cherargei said the retreat governors say they are having in Kilifi is not a constitutional obligation, but a waste of taxpayers’ money, which they would have used to tackle the drought crisis in Northern Kenya. 

He alleged that the agenda in that retreat is to discuss the senate, a tactic they have adopted to avoid responding to audit queries facing their counties.

Members of the committee expressed their displeasure with some of these county executives proposing a reduction to the county allocation and review of standing orders to make it tougher and more punitive for those who fail to appear and be held accountable for the funds they receive from the senate.

The committee digs deep into how county funds are being used in key areas like health, water, education, and municipality to ensure resources are utilized effectively.