By Beauttah Omanga and Morton Saulo
News of Free Primary Education funds being frozen drew outrage even as Cabinet minister Sam Ongeri remained tight-lipped.
Leaders who reacted demanded action from President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga over alleged disappearance of Sh175 million from the Ministry of Education.
The British Government on Friday said it would stop funding FPE until the stolen cash is recovered.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers, Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Kenya Association of Parents called for action to restore donor confidence.
They called for an audit of funds allocated to the ministry, expressing fears more money would be misappropriated.
Squandered
PAC chairman Bonny Khalwale said chances were high the missing funds were more than reported.
Knut chairman George Wesonga told The Standard on Sunday it was unfortunate Government officials entrusted with donor funds had failed to account for them.
"This is UK taxpayers’ money and the Government should be accountable when spending it," he said.
Dr Khalwale said: "There are signs all is not well at the ministry. As we welcome the decision by the UK to suspend the funding, there is need for a forensic audit so that those implicated can be sacked."
Kenya Parents Association chairman Musau Ndunda called for measures to avoid wastage.
"As parents, we are concerned funds meant to benefit the poor is being squandered by Government officials," said Mr Ndunda.
Khalwale, however, demanded details of how FPE funds were misappropriated be made public.
Efforts to reach the Education Minister and his PS Karega Mutahi were fruitless as their cell phones went unanswered.
PAC chairman also challenged the UK to make public names of prominent Kenyans it was intending to ban from travelling to London.
