Governor Irungu Kang'ata put to task over missing audit papers

Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata was put to task for failing to provide audit documents despite getting sufficient time.

Senate County Public Accounts Committee said it was unfortunate that the governor, who has served as a senator, MP and councillor, could fail to meet what was expected of him.

"Murang'a County has not been audited by this committee since the former governor (Mwangi wa Iria) had defied summons to appear before leading to the Inspector General being asked to have him arrested. This clearly shows there was something being hidden," said the committee chairman Moses Kajwang (Homa Bay).

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah asked the committee to impose a fine of Sh500,000 on the county for taking them for a ride.

Omtatah said it was unacceptable that the committee was being forced to adjourn because the county had failed to meet its expectation.

Senators Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi), Samson Cherarkey (Nandi), John Methu (Nyandarua), Joseph Nyutu (Nyandarua) and Mwenda Gataya (Tharaka Nithi) told the governor not to cover up for his predecessor.

The senators wondered how Kang'ata could fail to provide the documents on time yet they were county documents, which are readily available, warning him that the committee would not accept such acts.

The governor acknowledged that it was wrong to appear before the committee while not prepared and sought its indulgence so that he could be given another date.

"We have nothing to hide since we all know there is perpetuity in government where the new administration will have to answer to some audit queries concerning the previous regime. We are ready to follow parliamentary procedures in this matter," he said.

Kajwang said the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act and Public Finance Management Act gave the committee powers to take action against the Murang'a county government.

The governor will be given another date to appear.