Assembly members probe governor Mruttu's cabinet

The county assembly's probe of five members of Governor John Mruttu's cabinet begun in Wundanyi yesterday.

A select committee of the assembly is investigating claims that the executive members withdrew millions of shillings from the county's coffers which they spent as mileage allowances without the assembly's authority.

However, the five, Vincent Masawi (Finance), Gifton Mkaya (Health), Stephen Masamo (Water), Elijah Mwandoe (Energy) and Flora Mtuweta (Community Affairs) denied any wrong-doing saying the expenditure was lawful.

Masawi told committee members that the executive, headed by the governor, resolved to award mileage allowances to the cabinet members.

"The decision was arrived at during a meeting chaired by the governor where it was agreed that executives should be awarded mileage allowances because there are no vehicles for us to discharge our duties. It was a collective decision," he said.

A memo dated October 2, 2014 seen by The Standard confirmed that the meeting was held and it was resolved that executives be reimbursed for costs incurred in fueling their own vehicles or the county government fuel them until such a time when official vehicles were in place.

The committee chaired by Sagala Ward Rep Godwin Kilele is investigating claims that the executives were each paid Sh3 million in mileage allowances.

Further, they have been accused of altering a Sh3.5 billion amount approved by the assembly for the 2013-2014 financial year, to include their mileage allowances.

"The executives' decision to alter the budget was wrong and is tantamount to a violation of the County Government's Act and the constitution. They usurped the house's role and should be punished," vice chair Rachael Dawai said.

The committee now has 10 days to compile their report and table it before the house for adoption or rejection.

The Standing Orders say if a resolution, requiring the governor to dismiss an executive member, is supported by majority of members, then the Speaker shall promptly deliver the resolution to the governor and the member shall be considered dismissed.