The Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning and the Committee on Communication, Information, and Innovation on Tuesday, March 14, probed into Ksh6.09 billion spent four days before the 2022 General Election.
While addressing the Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang'o, the committees questioned why the funds were disbursed quickly.
Reportedly, the government used the funds under former President Uhuru Kenyatta to buy out a telco company.
Additionally, the committees argued that the transaction was made while the House was on recess, hence the late request for approval in line with article 223 of the Constitution.
Article 223 of the Constitution allows the Treasury to spend one emergency without the approval of the Parliament. However, the Treasury is required to table a budget two months after withdrawing the funds from the Consolidated Funds without the approval of MPs.
On her part, Nyakang'o argued that her office had minimal control over the payment, hinting at possible foul play.
She added that despite approving the multi-billion payment, there were glaring flaws in the buyout process.
Following this confession, MPs queried why she signed off the transaction from the ex-chequer despite noticing the conspicuous gaps in the process.
However, according to the outgoing Solicitor General, despite the payment, records indicated no change of ownership in the telco company.
Notably, the buyout raised questions owing to the speedy manner it was carried out and the timing, which was just a few days before the 2022 General Election.
Meanwhile, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, while presenting the report on the first supplementary Budget to the National Assembly in February 2023, announced that investigations will be launched on Ksh22 billion approved days before the election, including the Ksh6.09 billion.
“One of the most glaring issues is that in the days to the General Election, Ksh22 billion was approved under Article 223. We will interrogate these payments, including the ksh6.09 billion," he declared.
Additionally Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah on February 28, also raised concerns about the commitment to pay the investment company Ksh6.09 billion for the acquisition of the telco.
