REVENUE STANDOFF: County Assembly’s statement on Bungoma governor’s invite to Senate

BUNGOMA GOVERNOR SUMMONED TO SENATE OVER REVENUE STANDOFF WITH THE COUNTY ASSEMBLY.

Date; Monday, 14 June 2021

Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has been summoned to appear before the Senate committee on Finance and Budget over the revenue standoff pitting the County Assembly against the County Executive.

The Governor who had been invited alongside the County Assembly to appear before the Senate committee today skipped the session saying he was committed.

In a ruling delivered by Senator Dr. Ochillo Ayacko who is the vice chairperson of the committee, the Governor was summoned to appear in person at the Senate on Thursday next week without fail. He pointed out that the Governor will face further sanctions including fines and other unspecified action if he fails to appear.

Senator Ochillo further directed the Controller of Budget to ensure funds for Bungoma County Assembly are released.

“We shall be inviting the Controller of Budget to attend our meeting next Thursday to give us an update on the disbursement of funds to Bungoma County Assembly,” he said.

Senator Ochillo further pointed out that disbursements to the County of Bungoma will be stopped until the County Assembly receives its share of revenue.

In a letter to the Senate, Wangamati said he will appear on the first week of July virtually, a move that angered the senators.

Part of the letter read, “ I already had another program so I am not able to appear on the said date.”

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula who is a member of the committee said the Governor was taking the senate for granted.

“ His first priority should be to the Senate. He is a continuously offensive Governor who is so full of himself. He needs to be summoned to appear at the earliest possible opportunity,” he said.

Other senators in the meeting among them Rose Nyamunga, and Haji Farhiya Ali said that the actions by the Governor to stop revenue flow to the County Assembly had inflicted pain and unnecessary suffering.

“Why is he frustrating the County Assembly? We shall ensure the County Assembly gets its share of resources to perform oversight,” said Senator Farhiya

Senator Rose Nyamunga said the Senate as the custodian of devolution will ensure the county Assemblies are protected from interference and influence from Governors who are evading oversight.

The Senators further hinted that they are amending the Public Finance Management Act to delink the County Executive from any approvals for the County Assemblies funds.

“ We are in the process of amending the PFM Act so that County Assemblies are more free in accessing and managing their own funds,” said Senator Wetangula.

Speaker Emmanuel Situma led the County Assembly team at the Senate. The others were the Clerk Mr. John Mosongo, Hon. Majimbo Okumu ( Chair Public Administration), Hon Barasa Mukhongo (Chair Finance) and Hon,. Jack Wambulwa (Chair Budget and Appropriations).

Speaking before the Senate committee, Hon. Situma said the County Assembly is unable to offer any services.

“All our operations are currently paralyzed. We have not paid salaries and our suppliers are on our necks. The Governor has also hired goons who are going round threatening Mcas. This has to stop immediately,” he said.

END.

By County Assembly Communications – Senate, Nairobi.

#iKUWEiKUWE Corner

• The Senate has since SUMMONED the embattled Governor while it INVITED Controller of Budget and Office of the Auditor General to appear in person on Thursday, 24 June 2021
• Diverting funds amounts to abuse of office
• Wangamati is likely to face Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes charges as stipulated in section 46 – Abuse of office
• Bungoma has about 6400 staff on payroll… those who benefit from their salaries include families, friends, landlords, mama mboga, taxi, bodaboda, shopkeepers, banks, Safaricom, Airtel and the county govt itself through levies/taxes