A Senate committee has suggested tabling a motion aimed at preventing the National Treasury from disbursing funds to Counties led by Governors who have disregarded audit reports and shown contempt towards the Senate.
The Senate Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Moses Kajwang’ from Homa Bay, has called on Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to appear before it within 14 days to address audit queries.
The Senators aim to invoke article 225 (3), which allows Parliament to authorize the Finance Cabinet Secretary to halt fund transfers to a State organ or public entity in case of serious or persistent breaches.
However, such a decision cannot stop the transfer of more than fifty percent of funds due to a county government.
The Committee expressed frustration with Sakaja’s repeated absence from Senate committees, suggesting that penalties for such behaviour by public officials need to be strengthened.
Sakaja was scheduled to address audit queries for financial years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, during which Nairobi County received a total of Sh76 billion.
Former Governor Anne Kananu was the City county boss then.
Kajwang’ questioned why contempt of Parliament doesn’t carry the same weight as contempt of Executive Orders or Court orders.
He emphasized the need to hold Governors accountable, stating;
“Let us stop money from going to these counties whose governors have shown contempt to the Senate.”
Senator Richard Onyonka from Kisii called for a motion to be brought to the Senate floor regarding Sakaja’s conduct and that of other Governors who disregard Senate committee invitations.
Fatuma Dullo from Isiolo asserted the Senate’s power to send a strong message to Sakaja and other defiant Governors by withholding funds from their Counties.
She also highlighted the withdrawal of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) liaison person from the Committee without explanation.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna criticized Sakaja for skipping meetings with Senate committees and proposed stricter penalties for Governors who disrespect the Senate.
He urged his colleagues to take decisive action against Sakaja and others who fail to comply with audit queries.
The Committee also demanded reports from the EACC regarding investigations into fund utilization in various counties, emphasizing Parliament’s role in ensuring accountability and transparency in governance.
