Governor given 14 days to appear before senate

Kisii Governor James Ongwae has been given two weeks to appear before the senate or face unspecified action.

The Public Accounts and Investment Committee chaired by Dr Boni Khalwale (Kakamega, UDF) said the county chief should account for more than Sh10 million allegedly spent on“suspicious transactions.”

Dr Khalwale said Mr Ongwae did not give any explanation for not appearing before the committee and warned that he would face unspecified action if he fails to honour the summons.

The governor is among the county bosses who have enjoined themselves in a court case that stopped the leaders from appearing before the Senate until the matter is heard and determined.

“The Kisii governor might be using the court order as an excuse. But we have made it clear that we cannot be injuncted by orders,” said Dr Khalwale.

SERVICING MOTOR VEHICLES

According to a report by the Auditor General, Mr Ongwae spent Sh5.9 million servicing motor vehicles but, there are no documents to support the expenditure.

The governor is also accused of irregularly procuring goods and services worth Sh5.8 million but the auditors were not provided with any documents to support the transactions.

He is also expected to clarify why the county is spending some Sh636,000 monthly on 120 casual workers from Ogembo, Gucha and Nyamarambe sub counties and some 58 others who were irregularly employed.

The chairman indicated that Governor Isaac Ruto( Bomet, URP), who is the Council of Governors chairman, had indicated that he was willing to appear next week to clear his name over allegations of misappropriating Sh184 million. Mr Ruto had vowed not to appear before the team.