Senate Summons Former Kitui Governor Ngilu Over Financial Mismanagement at Textile Centre

The Senate Committee on Public County Investments has issued a summons to former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, requiring her to appear before them alongside former county management officials. This comes after concerns were raised regarding the financial management and accountability of the county's textile centre during her administration.

Kitui Governor Julius Malombe, who recently appeared before the committee, highlighted the troubling financial performance of the textile centre. His appearance was prompted by an Auditor General’s report, which revealed severe operational difficulties linked to financial constraints experienced in 2020 and 2021.

The Senate Committee, chaired by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, pointed out significant management and financial issues that have threatened the viability of the textile centre. The committee decided to summon Ngilu after Malombe failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the financial irregularities that have hindered the centre's operations over the past few years.

In a formal statement, the committee invoked Article 125 of the Constitution and sections 18 and 20 of the Parliamentary (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017, to demand the appearance of Ngilu and her former top management team. The Senate's directive underlines the seriousness of the financial discrepancies and the need for accountability from the previous administration.

In addition to the summons, Governor Malombe has been tasked with submitting detailed reports on the current status of the county's textile project within three days. He is also required to provide the names and contact details of the textile centre's Board of Directors, along with the signatories to the industry’s bank accounts.

To further investigate the matter, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officials have been invited to participate in the upcoming meeting. Ngilu's summons follows closely on the heels of an EACC investigation launched less than a year ago, probing allegations of financial mismanagement during her tenure as governor. She also faces accusations of unlawfully influencing the Kitui County Public Service Board (KCPSB) by advocating for the appointment of unspecified officials, a move seen as contrary to the law.

The ongoing scrutiny of Ngilu’s administration highlights the broader issue of financial accountability and governance within county governments, emphasizing the importance of transparency and responsible management of public resources.