Today the Decentralized Funds Accounts Committee met with NG-CDF Account Managers from four Constituencies to review various pending issues raised by the Office of the Auditor General.
Chaired by Mwingi Central Legislator Hon.(Dr.) Gideon Mulyungi, the Audit Committee first met with current and former Fund Account Managers of Nyakach Constituency, who only had two pending matters to address since the period of 2013/14 to 2022/23.
Second to appear before the MPs was a team from Awendo Constituency, who commendably, had no pending Audit Queries as all previously reported matters had been resolved by the Mangers and Auditors.
Appearing third was the current Fund Account Managers for Isiolo south Constituency, who had no sufficient documentation necessary for the examination process to proceed.
“We were previously not able to conclude the examination of your audits because your documents are with the EACC, and that seems to be the case again today.” Stated Hon. Mulyungi.
According to the Office of the Auditor General, it has been difficult to make any verification of reported resolutions to audit questions, since the Constituency has an active graft case being handled by the EACC, which has not yet released documentation seized during the investigations.
The Committee directed the Manager, in consultation with the NG-CDF Board CEO to take a month to put together the necessary documents in order to conclude the examination of the Audit Reports.
Last to make an appearance before the Legislators was a former Fund Account Manager of Bonchari Constituency Mr. Stephen Onserio, to answer one pending matter of kshs. 3.6Million having been irregularly withdrawn from the Constituency’s Account during his tenure.
Appearing before the Committee today, Mr. Onserio accepted liability for the fraudulent withdrawals, and assured the Committee that he would repay the sum in a span of 3 Months, with the first Kshs. 1Million being paid this month and the balance cleared from his gratuity payments.
The Committee members expressed skepticism with his statement, prompting the chairman to direct that the former manager makes an appearance before them next week Tuesday, alongside the NG-CDF Board CEO to determine a more conclusive way forward, warning that Mr. Onserio risks being jailed for his actions.
By Anthony Solly
