Legislators split over Sh9.2b budget error

By Antony Gitonga and James Munyeki

The Sh9.2 billion saga in Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta’s supplementary budget dominated an MPs’

pre-budget meeting in Naivasha.

While some demanded Uhuru’s resignation, others defended him saying the scandal as a non-issue.

Gwasi MP John Mbadi said the minister had no option but to resign or be transferred from the ministry.

"Uhuru does not have the technical capability to handle such a ministry and he should apologise to Kenyans and resign," he said.

Mr Mbadi termed Uhuru’s defence of the discrepancy in Parliament as an act of irresponsibility.

Mosop MP David Koech doubted whether the discrepancy was really a computer error.

But Naivasha MP John Mututho and Budalangi’s Ababu Namwamba called for patience.

Mr Mututho said if junior officials sabotaged the minister, they should be charged.

"I believe Uhuru had no ill motive, but he should show us the culprit behind the whole mess or he takes responsibility," he said.

Maragua MP Elias Mbau attributed the scandal to President Kibaki’s failure to assent to the Physical Management Bill.

"The Bill would have given Parliament more power to scrutinise the Supplementary Budget and avoid this

embarrassment," he said.

The MPs, led by Deputy Speaker Faarah Maalim, asked why the minister failed to attend the two-day meeting although he was invited.

Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni has also defended Uhuru over the discrepancy.

Mr Kioni said political rivals planning to link Uhuru to corruption to taint his name due to his presidential

ambitions in 2012.

Speaking in Ndaragwa town on Monday, the MP said the PNU wing of Government would not be shaken by

the "scandal".