National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has issued a warning to the country’s 47 governors, demanding full accountability and strict adherence to parliamentary oversight.
Speaking during a youth empowerment programme in Mabera on Friday, April 17, Wetang’ula stated that governors must justify how they use public funds, stressing that oversight is not optional but a legal obligation.
“Today I put the country’s 47 governors on notice: they must submit to parliamentary oversight and account for every shilling entrusted to them. I made it clear that Parliament will not waver in its constitutional duty to scrutinise public spending,” he said.
Wetang’ula warned that governors who ignore summons from parliamentary committees risk facing legal consequences, revealing that steps are already underway to formalise punitive measures.
“I warned that any governor who ignores summons to appear before parliamentary committees will face legal consequences. I have tasked Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo to lead efforts to craft criminal sanctions for those who refuse to comply,” he added.
Wetang’ula reiterated that public funds are not personal resources but must be managed transparently and responsibly.
“Governors are not owners of public funds, they are trustees. And when they fall short, they must come before Parliament and answer,” he further said.
On the rising cost of living, Wetang’ula shifted focus to recent legislative action, praising Members of Parliament for approving tax adjustments aimed at easing pressure on citizens.
“On the cost of living, I commended Members of Parliament for swiftly approving amendments to reduce VAT on fuel, following a request by President William Ruto. Fuel affects every sector of our economy, and cutting the tax was necessary to ease the burden on wananchi,” he noted.
Wetang’ula concluded by calling for national unity, urging Kenyans to reject divisive politics and embrace a shared national identity.
“I also urged Kenyans to embrace unity and reject ethnic divisions. As a country, we are one people, and we must treat each other with dignity and respect,” he stated.
