Procurement offices to blame for stolen funds, says Muturi
Paul Ndung’u
National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has blamed procurement departments in National and county governments for embezzlement of public funds.
Speaking at Gathanji Primary School in Sossian ward, Laikipia North, during the commissioning of five streams of classrooms built by area National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), Muturi regretted that much of public funds were going into the pockets of individuals.
“Some people have become so cunning that despite strict laws concerning procurement in this country, they are stealing with impunity,” he said.
The Speaker said there is need to simplify procurement processes and come up with a way for culprits to be charged immediately.
Muturi, who was hosted by area MP Sarah Lekorere, said: “The Auditor General has over the years been submitting reports on various government institutions funding and usage of public monies including independent offices.
The procurement departments have always been the ones mostly implicated and this should be looked into.”
Leaders who accompanied Muturi took issue with the Building Bridges Initiative report, saying they will only support a document that means well for Kenyans.
Laikipia Deputy Governor John Mwaniki proposed that the term of governors be reduced to a one term of seven years as this could help reduce politicking and corruption in the counties.
He also proposed that corruption cases involving governors should not take more than six months in court.
Former Speaker of the National Assembly Francis ole Kaparo urged leaders to stop politicking and instead address issues affecting the electorate.
