Health CS Mutahi Kagwe and his National Treasury counterpart Ukur Yatani have been summoned to appear before the Senate and National Assembly Health Committee over the controversial Ksh1.3 billion expenditure.
This came after the Ministry of Health shared a document showing a breakdown of expenditure for the funds donated by the World Bank to Kenya.
Speaking to the media, Senate Deputy Chief Whip Irungu Kang’ata revealed that Kagwe and Yatani were summoned to appear in the Senate.
"We do not want the money that has been set aside for Covid-19 to be misappropriated. We do not want money that has been set aside for the poor and the vulnerable being misused and we shall summon the CS concerned and ask the right questions," said the Murang'a Senator.
National Assembly Health Committee chairperson Sabina Chege also noted that Kagwe is set to appear in Parliament on Monday, May 4.
"The CS and his team will appear before the committee on Monday afternoon to clarify the controversy surrounding the expenditure of the funds," stated the Murang'a Woman Rep.
Chege also revealed other issues that that Kagwe will be grilled on, "We have two items. Apart from the funds, we will also engage the CS on the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of the lead researcher at Kemri."
During his Labour Day speech, President Uhuru Kenyatta denied reports that the Covid-19 funds have been misappropriated.
"When the time comes it shall be audited in broad daylight, every shilling and cent. Kenyans will know this money was used for what purpose and to help who. We shall make it public there nothing that will be hidden."
Speaking at a function attended by Kang’ata in Mathioya, the area MP Peter Kimari also noted that anyone found guilty of stealing the funds should face the full wrath of the law.
"This is a difficult time for Kenyans, the government is involved in a lot of issues and it is bad to see the money released by the government being misappropriated.
"Our prayer is that if there is any money that will be embezzled, there should be thorough investigations and those found capable should face stiff punishment," said Kimari.
Kenyans raised questions after massive amounts of the funds were spent on airtime and snacks, Ksh 6 million and Ksh10 million respectively.
