MPs tells off Lenku over remarks on Ushanga Initiative

Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, waves to the crowed as he arrives for this year County Maji Awards at Kitengela at the weekend. [PHOTO: PETERSON GITHAIGA]

A parliamentary committee wants Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku to stop commenting on the ongoing probe on Sh80 million expenditure on a national project.

The project dubbed Ushanga Initiative Project involves 90 co-operative societies in seven counties.

The counties are Baringo, Marsabit, Narok, Kajiado, Samburu, Turkana and West Pokot.

According to the Government, the project sought to strengthen businesses owned by women from pastoralist areas.

In the 2017/18 financial year, the project was allocated Sh80 million by the State. But according to the committee's investigation, there is vagueness in financial statements showing how the money was spent.

Last week Lenku defended Hellen Nkaissery, the national chairperson of the Ushanga Initiative and also the matron of the project, saying she was being harassed and blackmailed by State officials.

The National Assembly Committee on Sports, Tourism and Culture told Lenku to stop making such utterances, as the probe was on. 

Committee Chairman Victor Munyaka said at no point was Mrs Nkaissery's name mentioned by the committee. “We shall not be intimidated by anyone, let alone Lenku, who must know this is Parliament, not Kajiado,” said Mr Munyaka.