Former governor to be summoned over Sh46m disparity

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

Senate county public investment and special funds committee has directed the Auditor General to conduct a forensic audit on the management and disbursement of bursary funds by the Murang'a county government.

This follows failure by Governor Irungu Kangata to explain how Sh46 million was spent during the 2020/2021 financial year. The county had declared disbursement of Sh221 million in its financial statements while supporting schedules showed disbursement of Sh267 million.

Kangata, who appeared before the committee chaired by Vihiga senator Godfrey Osotsi to respond to audit queries on the county's bursary fund, said he was not in office at the time and that the previous administration of Mwangi wa Iria was responsible.

"While the county budgeted and intended to disburse Sh267million for the bursaries in the financial year 2020/2021, the fund was under-absorbed, leading to the Sh46 million variance. It should also be remembered that I was not in office at the time," said Kangata.

Osotsi said the Auditor General should summon Wairia to explain what transpired.