Senators grill Kitui Governor Julius Malombe over suspect expenditures

Kitui Governor Julius Malombe addresses a congregation at the Ikumbulutini AIC in Lower Yatta District in Kitui Rural constituency on March 20, 2016. He was yesterday grilled by senators on claims of flouting finance laws. (PHOTO: PAUL MUTUA/ STANDARD)

Kitui Governor Julius Malombe was yesterday grilled by senators on claims of flouting finance laws.

The governor, who appeared before the Senate Public Accounts and Investment Committee to answer to 2013/2014 audit queries, was at pains to explain why his government used revenue collected at source instead of banking the same in the county revenue fund as required in law.

Dr Malombe (above) was taken to task by the committee chaired by Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu) to explain why he failed to provide banking statements sought by Auditor General Edward Ouko for unsupported vouchers for over Sh6 million. Malombe further found himself on the receiving end when senators demanded to know why two cheques of Sh579,245 could not be explained.

“These funds were factored in the 2012/2013 defunct local authorities’ account. However, the funds were cashed through Sh307,420 and Sh271,825 awaiting approval by the county assembly,” said the governor.

Kitui Senator David Musila demanded that the governor produce expenditure schedule, noting that failure to do so would mean there was misappropriation of funds.

Senators Kimani Wamatangi (Kiambu), Kennedy Okongo (Nyamira), John Lonyangapuo (West Pokot), Amos Wako (Busia) and Boni Khalwale (Kakamega) also concurred that the governor must account for the funds.

Wamatangi urged the committee chairman to put a disclaimer on the outstanding audit until supporting documents are submitted for scrutiny. Malombe will appear next week to clear audit queries.

Governors Ken Lusaka (Bungoma) and Moses Akaranga (Vihiga) will appear before the committee today.