We risk paying other dubious companies, Ababu warns

Kenya: Public Accounts Committee chairman Ababu Namwamba has cautioned that the payment of billions of shillings to phony Anglo Leasing contracts could open a floodgate of claims by other dubious companies.

Mr Namwamba said the government laid the ground for other corruption networks to demand that their irregular transactions be honoured.  “The moment you pay, it becomes an avalanche as every ghost company will start asking to be paid billions without having delivered any service to the taxpayer,” the MP said.

The Budalang’i MP said his committee, which is currently investigating the Judiciary, was shocked by signs that the institution is involved in impropriety and financial misappropriation.  

He warned that endemic corruption in the public sector cannot be eliminated with a compromised and corrupt Judiciary. 

“We are shocked that the Judiciary is showing signs of impropriety because if the Judiciary is compromised, then the war on corruption is lost,” Namwamba said.

The MP made the remarks at a Nakuru hotel during a workshop hosted by Accountability Kenya, an organisation that brings together agencies involved in ensuring accountability in public spending and promoting the fight against corruption.

Namwamba said his committee was seeking to strengthen the Auditor General’s office through new legislation, which will enable it discharge its functions more effectively.  

“Part of the reforms include passing the Audit Act which will make the office stronger by ensuring it draws its funds from the Consolidated Fund to make it financially independent and insulate it from any influence,” he said.

The Budalang’i MP said with more devolved resources, the fight against corruption should also be taken to the counties and legislation enacted to check the vice.

“Members of the County Assemblies should bring Bills to address corruption in their counties because by devolving more resources, we are run the risk of devolving corruption,” he added.