Ruto told to explain huge revenue drop

Senators have given the Bomet governor two weeks to explain issues raised by the Auditor-General in the county’s financial report.

Mr Isaac Ruto appeared before the County Public Investment and Accounts Committee on Thursday and asked for more time to respond.

The committee, chaired by Kakamega Senator Dr Bonny Khalwale, gave the governor 14 days to prepare a response.

“There are many queries which we want explained. The governor has asked for more time and we have allowed him to prepare before facing us again,” said Dr Khalwale when the committee met.

Auditor-General Edward Ouko’s report says Bomet had a massive decline in revenue collection between January and June 2013.

Bomet County collected Sh78,328,408 between January and June 2012, but this fell to Sh20,973,783 last year.

“The Transition Authority and the county government should investigate this in order to confirm that the decline was not by design,” said the Auditor-General.

AUDIT REPORTS

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Ruto said he was ready to provide answers.

“I was called yesterday (Wednesday) and told to appear before the committee. It is in order for me to come and shed light on what the Auditor-General raised,” he said.

The committee is going through audit reports on all counties. Where matters have been raised, the governor will be asked to explain.

“This is not a witch-hunt. It is about accountability,” said Dr Khalwale.

The auditor also accused the county government of going against a recommendation by the Transition Authority to stop operating the bank accounts of the defunct county councils.

“The bank accounts of former county council of Bomet remained in operation after the February 28 2013 deadline provided by the Transition Authority for closure of the accounts,” Mr Ouko revealed.

TRIPS ABROAD

Meanwhile, several foreign governments have written to the Senate and county governments complaining about the disorganised trips abroad made by Member of the County Assemblies.

Dr Khalwale on Thursday said his committee had received complaints from “friendly nations” on the frequent travels made by large contingents of MCAs from Kenya.

“It is really unfortunate. This is something we are looking at as a Senate. We have seen the complaints and we as the custodians will find a solution to it,” said Dr Khalwale.

Mr Ruto also said he had seen the complaints by the governments but said the blame should go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The ministry should regulate such travels. You cannot have a whole assembly travelling to one country at the same time. In the last parliament only six of us were allowed to travel,” said the governor.