The Senate Public County Investments and Special Funds Committee convened today to review the financial statements of the Kitui County Textile Center for fiscal years 2019/20, 2020/21, and 2021/22. Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe appeared before the committee to address concerns regarding the center's financial performance and accountability.

The committee noted that the Auditor-General had issued adverse opinions for the center's financial years 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, highlighting significant management and financial challenges that threatened its operations and sustainability.

Senator Osotsi, speaking on behalf of the committee, announced several resolutions:

"The committee hereby issues summons, pursuant to Article 125 of the Constitution and sections 18 and 20 of the Parliamentary (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017, to the former Governor of Kitui County Charity Ngilu, the former top management officials, and all officials who signed financial statements of the Kitui County Textile Center in the Financial years 2019/2020, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022."

The committee also requested that Governor Malombe submit various reports and information within three days, including the center's status report, names and contact details of the Board of Directors, and details of signatories to the center's bank accounts.

Additionally, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) was invited to participate in a forthcoming meeting, scheduled for next month, to further investigate the matter.