Senate Calls Cabinet Secretary and Governor to Probe Ksh53.4M Graft
Tuesday, June 20, the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries summoned Water Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o to shed additional light on a Ksh53,4 million corruption case.
Senators expressed dismay that the duo failed to appear before the committee on two separate occasions, and even on a third occasion, despite mounting pressure from all parties eager to obtain an explanation regarding the alleged embezzlement of funds at the West Kano Irrigation Scheme in Kisumu County.
The vice chairman of the committee, Senator Alexander Munyi Mundigi of Embu, criticized Wahome and Nyong’o for failing to provide any communication regarding their absence.
“The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, led by Vice Chairperson, Embu County Senator, Sen.Alexander Munyi Mundigi, has summoned the two for failing to appear before the Committee to formally respond to the Petition regarding the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Graft Investigation of West Kano Irrigation Scheme,” according to a statement released by Parliament.
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After a petitioner raised the alarm about the alleged embezzlement of funds in February 2023, Senators launched an investigation into the case.
The petitioner requested an investigation into the scheme’s operations, particularly between 2007 and 2021, and accused the administration of misappropriating funds intended for farmers.
The petitioner told the committee, “The way the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has handled the matter has caused farmers and project beneficiaries intolerable social, economic, physical, and emotional suffering.”
According to the EACC, those found guilty will be charged with mismanagement of funds and abuse of office.
During the meeting, the committee discussed and approved the Livestock and Produce Theft Bill 2023 draft report and amendments.
The bill seeks to establish a framework for preventing, combating, and eventually eradicating the theft of livestock and produce.
It also governs the branding of livestock and the requirement to obtain a removal permit when transporting animals from one location to another.
Senate Calls Cabinet Secretary and Governor to Probe Ksh53.4M Graft
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