MPs to unearth individuals to blame for NYS scam
Ugunja MP and Public Accounts (PAC) Committee chairman Opiyo Wandayi. His committee is investigation possible misuse of funds at the NYS. FILE PHOTO | ONDARI OGEGA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Wandayi insisted that the committee will find out whose responsible for the scandal.
National Assembly' Public Accounts (PAC) Committee chairman Opiyo Wandayi has described as red herring the decision by two senior state officials to step aside to pave way for investigations into the possible loss of Sh9 billion at the National Youth Service.
"Stepping aside is a strange terminology that's not recognised by law. The least that the public expects of anyone linked, however remotely, with the NYS fraud is immediate and total resignation from office," Mr Wandayi said in a statement on Saturday.
On Friday, State House Spokesperson Manoah Esipisu announced that Public Service and Youths Affairs Principal Secretary Lilian Mbogo-Omollo and NYS Director General Richard Ndubai stepped aside to allow investigations into the scandal to proceed unencumbered.
PROSECUTION
Mr Wandayi said even if they resign, they can always be reappointed once independent investigations clear them.
Thus, the Ugunja MP said culprits implicated in the fiasco must be prosecuted.
"From the look of things, this is not a new scandal at all; it's simply a continuation of the old scheme that was hatched way back in 2013 at the institution to siphon public funds. It's impunity at its worst," he lamented.
On Monday last week, the committee invited Ms Omollo, Mr Ndubai and Health Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki to shed light on the alleged misappropriation of funds.
Mr Wandayi insisted that under his leadership, the committee will find out those responsible.
"Beginning Monday, May 21, 2018, these economic saboteurs have a date with destiny. They must appear before us and explain themselves. Whether they've stepped aside or not, PAC will continue to discharge its mandate without fear or favour."
