Migori Governor Okoth Obado has been given seven days by a Senate Committee to provide documents showing how KSh1.5 billion was spent in the 2017/2018 financial year.
While appearing before the County Public Accounts and Investment Committee, the governor who was hard pressed to account for his county’s expenditure said he was not able to provide financial documents because they were destroyed in a fire.
“I want to agree with the auditor that we were not able to provide the financial statements showing how that money was used but that does not mean that the money was unlawfully spent. It was during that unfortunate fire incident that those records were destroyed,” Obado said.
Committee members led by Homabay Senator Moses Kajwang’ were however not satisfied with Obado’s explanation saying the documents could have been re-created.
“The response by the governor does not address the issue. It has talked about a taskforce, DCI investigation and mitigation,” said Kajwang’.
“What you ought to have done is break down Sh1.5 billion that was used during that period. You would have said for example Sh600mn was used to pay salaries; no one would doubt that salaries were paid.
“KSh800mn went to the assembly – no one would doubt that but all you are talking about are generalities.
“I want to direct that you provide those documents to the Auditor General within seven days and then the auditor will submit them to this committee after they go through them.”
Other committee members also expressed disappointment in the manner governors are handling financial records, saying they are not in touch with their county financial matters.
“Why is it that it has taken you over a year and a half and you still have not re-created those documents? Can’t you call the bank to give you a list of people you pay? Can’t you call your suppliers to give you the receipts?” Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina wondered.
The Auditor General Edward Ouko gave a disclaimer of opinion to Migori County, meaning he could not audit the county expenditure because he was not provided with the necessary financial documents needed for auditing.
