June 29, 2021
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECOUNTY ASSEMBLY OF BUNGOMA STATEMENT ON THE SPEAKER’S PETITION AT THE SENATE
The County Assembly of Bungoma Speaker Hon. Emmanuel M. Situma lodged a complaint at the Senate via a letter dated 3rd June, 2021 whose subject was, “Deliberate attempts by the Governor and CECM Finance to deny the County Assembly its revenue allocation. The same was received in the Senate on 3rd June.
The letter highlighted the under listed issues:
Refusal by the Chief Officer Finance to approve Exchequer requests for the County Assembly.
The actions to reject the requests or drastically reduce the same had made it impossible for the Assembly to pay salaries, suppliers, and allowances due.
The senate invited both the County Assembly and the County Executive to appear before it on Monday 14th June, 2021. The County Assembly team led by the Speaker appeared but the Governor wrote a letter seeking a different date citing his busy schedule.
The Senate resolved to summon the Governor and his team to appear before it on Thursday 24th June, 2021. Once again, the Governor sought a virtual meeting citing the upsurge in Corona infections in the country. Critical issues that called for further interrogation emerged during the virtual meeting following a presentation by the Controller of budget. A physical meeting involving all parties was held yesterday on Monday 28th, 2021 in the Senate Chamber. During the meeting yesterday, it was noted as follows
That the County Assembly of Bungoma has only received salaries for April and May( months in contention before the Senate). That no other money has been released for any other payments.
The Speaker submitted that the lack of funds for operations and payment of suppliers had made it impossible for the County Assembly to run. Essential services such as water and electricity are currently disconnected at the County Assembly.
Majimbo Okumu submitted that the non release of funds for the months in contention was as a result of a motion of impeachment against the Governor that was signed by 44 MCAS. He added that the Governor told the Clerk that he had instructed his officers not to approve any funds for the County Assembly.
The Speaker submitted that during the two months, the County Executive has continued to draw funds for payment of salaries and other operations uninterrupted.
The Governor in his submissions indicated that there are no deliberate attempts to deny the County Assembly money and that their Exchequer requests had been approved and money will be at the County Assembly soon.
The Senate committee chair indicated that there is an amendment on the PFM Act to free County Assemblies across the country from Executive overreach.
The Senate Committee said it will retreat soon to write a report that will be laid before the Senate for further action.
#iKUWEiKUWE Livestream from Senate / Courtesy Daniel Psirmoi; https://www.facebook.com/groups/172326520314211/permalink/816569035889953/
For Clarity:
The County Assembly has full Confidence in the Senate as a neutral arbiter to resolve its impasse with the Executive and ensure uninterrupted cash flows. It supports the amendment of the PFM Act that will ensure to financial autonomy.
The County Assembly will not relent in carrying outs its cardinal duties of Legislation, Representation and Oversight. It will stand with the public to ensure equity, fairness and justice for all.
The County Assembly will keep an eye on the Executive to ensure funds are used for intended purposes. Public funds must be spent in line with the laid down law.
No amount of bribery, witch-hunt, propaganda, denial of funds and defiance from the County Executive will shake the resolve of the County Assembly to carry out Oversight and ensure checks and balances. The Independence of the County Assembly is under threat from Executive Overreach in a bid to evade accountability.
END.
DOWNLOAD Statement; Bungoma County Assembly STATEMENT – Wangamati senate appearance
~ Erick Ngobilo – Public Communications Officer ~
for Clerk to County Assembly.
