Parliamentary committee defends Auditor General’s report

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has voiced its support for the Auditor General’s report saying everyone implicated in it should be held responsible.

PAC ruled out “blanket” condemnation in pursuit of those named in the report as a measure to root out corruption in public institutions.

Speaking at Parliament media center, PAC chair Nicholas Gumbo said everyone who is implicated in the report should be held responsible individually adding that blanket condemnation will only cover up the real culprits.

“Blanket condemnation will make looters have their day. We ask leaders to support the auditor general’s office and ask the authorities to bring to book those implicated in the report,” he said.

The committee said parliament will have opportunity to scrutinise the report adding that accounting officers should be ready to clarify any questions raised.

Gumbo also questioned the delay in releasing last year’s report saying the Auditor General Edward Ouko should be answerable for the logjam.

“The Auditor General should appear before the Public Accounts Committee to explain why the report on the last financial year was delayed.”

Gumbo accused MPs for thrashing the report saying the Auditor General’s office is independent and must be respected.

He asked those with complaints on the report to follow the right channels in airing their grievances.

Other members present during the briefing are Tinderet MP Julius Melly and his Balambala counterpart Abdikadir Aden.

The report for the last financial year shows that various ministries and departments could not account for over Ksh 66 shillings. It has also implicated some county government, the judiciary and other state bodies over irregularities and misappropriation of county funds.