CABINET SECRETARY ADMITS MINISTRY SPENT FUNDS WITHOUT PARLIAMENT APPROVAL
The National Assembly’s Committee on Public Petition heard submissions from the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Statehouse Comptroller regarding a petition on the Funds spent contrary to Article 223 of the Constitution.
The Committee Chaired by Hon. Nimrod Mbai is carrying out investigations following a petition by Stephen Mutoro, the Secretary General of the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) who claims that towards the end of the term of the Jubilee administration, Kshs55 billion was spent without the approval of the National Assembly contrary to Article 223 of the constitution.
The Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Hon. Mithika Linturi appeared before the Committee to address the Ministry's receipt of funds for the unga subsidy, which was meant to cushion wananchi from the high cost of living in the country.
In his submission, Hon. Linturi admitted that the Ministry spent funds that were not approved by Parliament. “We are guilty as charged. To date, this expenditure hasn't been regularized, the value for money for this expenditure doesn't add up. Irregardless of the story we can give, what remains is that the conditions of Article 223 were not considered,” said the CS
Members further sought to find out where the money disappeared, if the beneficiaries received the funds, and whether the Ministry of Agriculture was consulted by the Treasury.
The CS responded by saying; “There was no meeting and therefore, the Ministry never took part in the decision by the Treasury.”