MPs accuse Auditor General of 'malicious' reports on bursary misuse
“If you say so and so cannot account for Sh100 million, you have already painted that person as a thief,” Nabulindo said, expressing frustration with the ongoing scrutiny.
Members of the National Assembly have taken issue with Auditor General Nancy Gathungu’s reports that highlight allegations of misused and unaccounted-for bursary funds, which are part of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
The MPs have accused Gathungu’s office of issuing malicious reports that paint them as corrupt. They believe the reports unfairly portray them as thieves due to missing documentation or unacknowledged bursary payments.
The accusations surfaced during a meeting between the MPs and Isaac Kamau, the Deputy Auditor General. The legislators, led by Matungu MP Oscar Nabulindo, voiced concerns that the media’s coverage of these reports tarnishes their reputations.
"If you say so and so cannot account for Sh100 million, you have already painted that person as a thief," Nabulindo said, expressing frustration with the ongoing scrutiny.
The MPs highlighted the recurring issues they face when attempting to account for bursary funds. In many instances, the institutions receiving the bursaries fail to acknowledge receipt, or the cheques issued by the MPs bounce.
These complications lead to audit queries and accusations of misuse.
"Why should I go to the post office in Kakamega, which is 30km away, to deposit a cheque when I can just walk to school to deliver it?" Nabulindo questioned, criticizing the time-consuming process mandated by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG).
The MPs also questioned whether the OAG’s reports were being used for political purposes, further fueling tensions between the lawmakers and the auditing office.
"The media report things you have not presented to us," said Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna, adding that the media often highlights alarming headlines based on incomplete or inaccurate information.
Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji also demanded clarification on the OAG’s methodology for ensuring accurate reporting and transparency.
"Let this office’s reports not be seen as malicious," Mukunji said.
In defense of the OAG’s position, Deputy Auditor General Isaac Kamau stated that the audits were conducted based on the information available at the time of the investigation.
"Audits are done on certain dates. As of that date, you must account for money that is out and money that is in," Kamau explained.
He also emphasized that the audit process allows entities to provide the necessary documentation and explanations for any discrepancies.