No money stolen from NYS, Omollo claims

No money stolen from NYS, Omollo claims

Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Lillian Mbogo-Omollo has sensationally claimed that no money was stolen from the National Youth Service (NYS).

In a fresh twist; Omollo on Friday told the Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC)  that the 2016/17 Auditor General’s report exonerates NYS from the Ksh.9billion scandal.

“If at all Ksh.9 billion has been lost, it would mean NYS is technically un-operational. No double payments can be done through IFMIS without noticing it, therefore it is not possible for such money to be lost,” she said.

Omollo recently stepped aside alongside NYS Director General Richard Ndubai to pave way for investigations.

During her tenure, the suspended PS said she worked alongside audit firm Price Water House Coopers to streamline operations at the institution.

She exuded confidence that the mechanism in place at the agency makes it impossible to lose such huge amounts of money as is alleged.

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro however warned her against trying to absolve the institution from blame, citing recent revelations by suppliers who were grilled by detectives.

One of the suspects who was questioned by the Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI) admitted to having received money to the tune of Ksh.60million.

However, Omollo indicated that she had never met the particular supplier but interestingly admitted that she had confirmed receiving money from the IFMIS system.

“We meet hundreds and hundreds of suppliers. We have held meetings with them jointly and individually, I however do not recall her even following up on her money with our offices or even having written to us,” she said.

“I have been able to certify that money was paid to her. If there was any collusion between her, the company and individual officers, we will be able to know. There will be individual responsibility and culpability, “she added.

Omollo was keen to note that the over Ksh.1billion alleged payments made to companies was done before her tenure.

She claims that since she took up the PS position, she has saved the agency money and therefore given room to accommodate more people in the institution.

In her defense over implication in the scandal, Omollo intimated that there are many people interested in her position and her initiative to streamline operations and save money may cost her the job.

“We are in a country that can lynch you depending on information that is available. When I applied for this position it’s because I knew I had what it takes. NYS is now fully IFMIS compliant and managed by competent personnel. A forensic audit of IFMIS can provide a comprehensive footprint on all payments,” she told the PAC.

She further reiterated her commitment to cooperate with investigating authorities and said she is confident that she will be cleared to go back to work.

Omollo and Gen. Ndubai are implicated in the loss of Ksh.9billion from NYS which was allegedly siphoned from the institution a well-orchestrated scheme.

The scandal is said to involve senior government officials and ghost suppliers.

The DCI however instituted investigations late last year and its findings reveal a trail of plundering of hard-earned taxpayers’ money.

Tags:

PAC NYS ifmis Parliamentary Accounts Committee Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) NYS Director General Richard Ndubai Youth Affairs PS Lillian Mbogo-Omollo

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories