Governor Evans Kidero grilled over county funds

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has appeared before the Senate County Public Accounts and Investments Committee to respond to audit queries.

The governor is expected to explain why some of the money the county collects is not banked in the revenue fund account, as required by law.

In the 2014/15 financial year, which is under review, the county deposited only Sh1 billion of the Sh11 billion it collected.

This, according to the auditor-general's report, is against the public finance management regulations.

The governor is also expected to explain why the county transferred Sh11 billion from the exchequer to commercial banks without approval from the Controller of Budget, as required by law.

The committee will also seek to know why records of some county employees who have benefited from allowances do not tally with those at the Kenya Revenue Authority.

The committee has warned that governors and Speakers of county assemblies must spare time and clear their names.

West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo said no governor will go scot-free even after leaving office as the Constitution is clear they must account for public funds.

"However ... long it takes, any person who has accepted public office must account for what he is in charge of," Prof Lonyangapuo said.