William Ruto wants fresh county audit

Deputy President William Ruto has called on Auditor-General Edward Ouko to conduct a fresh audit of national and county government accounts to avoid unfair representation.

He called for a reconciliation of the available details and consideration of protests by Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich and other individuals named in an audit report outlining alleged financial misappropriation to ensure it is accurate.

The DP said there is need to listen to the explanations being given by the individuals mentioned to avoid prejudicial representation.

He spoke at Siakago Stadium yesterday, when he launched a Sh3.5 billion Kenya Cereals Enhancement Programme.

Mr Ruto said the government was committed to fighting corruption but did not want unfair victimisation.

He said Mr Rotich and several other individuals who have been named raised concern that some documents they had were never considered in drafting the audit report.

“Treasury officials said they produced their papers with financial details but the Auditor-General’s report is flawed. Governors have said the same. We want a reconciliation of the papers to establish if at all any money was lost.

“They must exchange the necessary papers to establish whether public funds were lost. We are against wastage, mismanagement and corruption. Anyone culpable must be brought to book,” said Mr Ruto.

He encouraged the public to play a watchdog role and report corruption cases.

The DP called on political leaders not to politicise the fight against corruption.

Mr Ruto was reacting to a protest by Embu Governor Martin Wambora that the audit report, which cited his administration over failure to follow laid-down procurement procedures, is faulty. Mr Wambora said he had documents showing that his administration’s conduct is above board but the Auditor-General ignored the explanations.

“The Auditor-General’s report does not meet international standards. The document should be taken to the county assembly and I am sure I will be exonerated. I have been a public servant for 27 years and I have never stolen even a single cent,” said Mr Wambora.

At the same time, the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee yesterday dismissed criticism of Mr Ouko’s report, saying it is unjustified.

The team, chaired by Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo (ODM) said criticism of the audit report that revealed how huge amounts of public funds have not been accounted for sets a bad precedent.

Additional reporting by Dennis Odunga