Former MPs still on government payroll, EACC reveals

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has revealed that several former members of parliament are still receiving salaries despite losing their seats.

In an audit report handed over to the National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi on Friday, EACC stated that Public Service Commission (PSC) had not updated its payroll leading to payment of salaries to former MPs.

“A brief analysis of the payroll shows that the names of former Members of Parliament were still being reflected in the payroll at the time of the examination,” stated the report in part.

“This is a loophole that can be used to divert public funds through fraudulent payment of salaries and allowances.”

The report noted that PSC does not payroll reconciliation statements making it difficult to ensure variations in the payroll from one month to the other are identified, investigated and explained.

EACC further claimed that there exists a tendency by some MPs to sign on behalf of absent members during committee meetings leading to irregular payment of allowances.

“In addition, the team was informed that at times staff also sign attendance registers on behalf of their colleagues. This is an irregularity which can be used to pay allowances to members of staff who do not attend meetings.”

To resolve this, EACC recommended the frequent updating of the payroll to ensure that only accounts of officers and members working at PSC at any particular time are retained.

The report also pointed out that the bank statement prepared by PSC at the end of every month for the Development Account and Recurrent Account are never signed saying this could make it difficult to detect irregularities in the management of the two accounts.

EACC called on accounting officers to ensure that the Bank Reconciliation Statements are signed by the officer preparing and the one checking in order to enhance accountability in the management of both development and recurrent expenditures.

The ant graft body further urged officers to ensure that all financial records are properly and promptly prepared, regularly audited and readily accessible for review.

Speaking after receiving the report, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi said the move to invite EACC to carry out an audit of parliament’s systems is aimed at taming graft in the House.

“This will go towards ensuring accountability in managing resources given to the parliamentary institution,” he said.

EACC CEO Halakhe Waqo said the role of parliament as the key oversight institution over the government is clearly underscored, saying it has to lead the way in the fight against graft.

The commission boss called on PSC to implement the findings of the report in 14 days.