Senate committee grills Governor Lusaka over failure to remit Sh549 million in statutory deductions

On Monday, February 2, 2026, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka appeared before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) to address audit queries concerning KSh 549 million in unremitted statutory deductions. 

The committee revealed that the county failed to remit KSh 549 million in employee deductions, including pension contributions, taxes, and Sacco remittances.

Lusaka attributed the bulk of the unremitted funds to the previous administration of Wycliffe Wangamati, claiming he “inherited” these debts. He urged for the prosecution of those who failed to remit the funds.

The committee directed the Auditor-General to perform an “aging analysis” to categorize how long these obligations have remained unpaid across all 47 counties.

The Governor was also questioned over a KSh 3.6 million expenditure on Christmas tree decorations in 2019, which senators labeled as frivolous given the county’s financial constraints.

Concerns were raised regarding the Bungoma Water and Sewerage Company (BWASCO), which reported assets of KSh 128 million before it was legally incorporated and a high 52% water loss rate. 

The Senate committee has warned that failing to remit deductions is equivalent to “stealing” from employees and has demanded a consolidated report on the matter within seven days.

By Anthony Solly