National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has issued a stern warning to county governors, threatening them with criminal penalties if they continue to ignore summons to appear before parliamentary committees.
The Speaker expressed concern about the increasing number of county leaders failing to present themselves before the Senate to respond to Auditor-General reports concerning billions allocated to county governments, stating this creates an unacceptable precedent in a democratic system.
While addressing a youth empowerment initiative in Mabera, Kuria West Constituency, Migori County, on Friday, Wetang’ula emphasized that Parliament remains steadfast in its constitutional duty to monitor public expenditure.
“As the legislative body, we cannot compromise on oversight responsibilities. Those entrusted with substantial public funds must be prepared to account for their use, rather than avoiding scrutiny,” Wetang’ula stated.
“I must issue a clear and firm warning to all 47 governors: you are required to appear before Parliament to provide explanations regarding utilization of public resources.”
The Senate County Public Accounts Committee has already identified 11 governors who have failed to respond to committee summonses regarding examination of Auditor-General reports on expenditure of billions of shillings allocated to their respective counties.
In response, the Council of Governors has declared its intention to disregard the committee led by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, making allegations of extortion and harassment against the committee.
The Speaker cautioned that governors who disregard Parliament’s summonses face potential legal repercussions, indicating a more rigorous approach to accountability.
Wetang’ula further instructed Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, who serves as a Senior Counsel and is a key member of his legal team, to develop criminal measures targeting governors who fail to comply.
“Governors are not proprietors of public funds but rather trustees and custodians of the public interest. When mistakes occur, they must come before Parliament to provide explanations,” he emphasized.
The Speaker was joined by several leaders, including Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, Suna West MP Peter Masara, Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohamed, Kuria West MP Mathias Robi, Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo.
Regarding living costs, Wetang’ula commended Members of Parliament for their rapid approval of amendments to the Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel, following a presidential request from William Ruto.
The revised legislation reduced VAT on fuel products by 50 percent, a measure he indicated would lessen the economic strain on families and enterprises.
“Fuel impacts multiple aspects of daily life, including transportation, food production, and small business operations. Decreasing VAT was essential to protect citizens from financial hardship,” he observed, acknowledging MPs’ prompt attention to addressing public concerns.
The Speaker also took the opportunity to advocate for national unity, calling upon Kenyans to move beyond ethnic divisions.
He acknowledged the contribution of the late Raila Odinga to opposition politics, highlighting its importance in promoting constitutional reforms and inclusivity.
“In Kenya, there are no distinctions between large and small tribesthere are only Kenyans. We must interact with one another based on mutual respect and dignity,” he declared.
While speaking to young people, Wetang’ula stressed the importance of proper utilization of empowerment funds, warning against misusing loans intended to support entrepreneurship.
“Allocate these resources toward acquiring production equipment and establishing enduring businesses. Do not waste opportunities designed to improve your livelihood,” he advised.