Devolution CS, Eugene Wamalwa, who took over running Nairobi County after embattled Governor Mike Sonko transferred key duties to the national government, was handed a 10-day ultimatum to return an official government vehicle he took away from the Ministry of Water.
A report by Daily Nation on Monday, March 2, stated that a parliamentary committee directed the CS to return the fuel guzzler missing in the Water ministry, failure to which he will be summoned for questioning.
The National Assembly Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chaired by Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, made the decision after Water Principal Secretary Joseph Irungu lamented that his efforts to recover the vehicle were futile.
"The car is still held by the CS because he moved with it. It is our car but we don’t have it. I have asked for it including writing to my counterpart (PS) at the Devolution docket but I haven’t gotten any response.
"I have even talked to my CS about it because I want the car back,” the PS stated, adding that Wamalwa did not hand over the car when he was transferred.
The committee raised questions over the CS's decision to retain the vehicle, with the absence of it being a subject of an audit query by the office of the auditor-general.
“What is so special about this vehicle? Is it that he cannot get another one at the Devolution ministry?
"Let me direct that Wamalwa takes it upon himself to surrender the vehicle latest Friday, March 13,” Wandayi ordered.
Principal Secretaries are in charge of the property registered under their ministries, including all assets and liabilities, according to the public service policy and guidelines.
“That vehicle must be brought back to the Ministry of Water. Once delivered, you will be required to provide us with a status report on the condition of the vehicle,” Wandayi informed PS Irungu.
