Mbadi wants Murkomen, Farouk Kibet summoned over NYS scam

Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) John Mbadi has written to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) requesting that Elgeyo Marakwet Senator, Kipchumba Murkomen, and Deputy President William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, be summoned over the National Youth Service (NYS) scandal.

In a letter copied to media houses on Wednesday, November 23, Mbadi said that the summoning of the two witnesses is crucial as it would help shed light on the scandal that involved the loss of Ksh 1.8 billion through fraudulent transactions.

“I am aware that the committee decided in a meeting I was not able to attend that the witnesses would send a written submission but with a rider that in the event it becomes necessary to invite them to appear in person, the committee would do so.”

Mbadi faulted Murkomen for issuing a statement to respond to the allegations against him, saying his actions had raised confusion and more concerns that require deeper interrogation.

“Press releases do not accord the public a chance to ask questions. We are rightly called a watchdog committee and we would be abdicating responsibility if we fail to ask questions on behalf of the public,” stated Mbadi.

“Article 95 (2) mandates the National Assembly to deliberate on and resolve issues of concern to the people. There is popular interest in this matter which requires that the adversely mentioned should appear before the committee.”

He said that the committee seeks to accord all witnesses equal treatment including being asked to appear before the committee without exceptions.

“There is no justification for leaving out Senator Murkomen who seems to know a lot a and Farouk Kibet whose evidence before the committee indicates not only received money from individuals under investigations but also had a lot of contacts with the individuals in question.”

Murkomen had on Tuesday defended himself over claims that his law firm received payment from one of the suspects in the NYS saga, Ben Gethi.

“Last weekend, I challenged Ms Waiguru to prove her allegations. After she realized she was clutching on straws of lies, she has now resorted to a campaign to attack my clients in an attempt to sabotage our law firm,” Murkomen said.

“SMS Advocates represents a wide spectrum of clientele. Our firm has never received any payment from any NYS contractor. Our Client Out of the Box Solutions has never worked or contracted by NYS. The allegations by Ms Waiguru through her agents that our law firm was paid legal fees amounting to Ksh 15 million is a figment of her imaginations.”

The committee chair, Nicholas Gumbo, had earlier said the committee would not summon Murkomen because doing so would require going through Senate Speaker.

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Kipchumba Murkomen NYS Nicholas Gumbo farouk kibet

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