MPs order probe in Sh2.8b SGR land pay

Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi. (Collins Oduor, Standard)

A House watchdog committee has ordered a special audit into the National Land Commission's spending of Sh2.8 billion, purportedly to compensate those whose land was taken over for the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway.

The National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee, chaired by MP Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja - pictured), Tuesday directed the Auditor General to investigate the disputed compensation and table a report in 60 days.

The Muhammad Swazuri-led commission has failed to provide details of the acreage, plot numbers, and corresponding valuation information one year after paying the compensation.

The House team wants the Auditor General to determine whether the compensation process was lawful, transparent, and accountable.