MPs clash with Auditor General over bursary funds misuse allegations
MPs have expressed outrage over reports from Auditor General Nancy Gathungu’s office that have painted them in a negative light, accusing them of mishandling millions in bursary funds.
A growing conflict between Members of Parliament (MPs) and the Auditor General’s office has emerged following allegations of misuse and poor accountability of bursary funds distributed through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
MPs have expressed outrage over reports from Auditor General Nancy Gathungu’s office that have painted them in a negative light, accusing them of mishandling millions in bursary funds.
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Matungu MP Oscar Nabulindo led the charge, expressing concerns that the reports were unfairly accusing lawmakers of theft.
He argued that the missing records and lack of acknowledgements from educational institutions have been misrepresented. “If you say so and so cannot account for Sh100 million, you have already painted that person as a thief,” Nabulindo said, accusing the Auditor General of causing unnecessary reputational damage to elected officials.
The controversy centres around the recurring issue of missing documentation. In many cases, the MPs cannot account for the bursaries they distribute because there is no confirmation from the institutions receiving the funds, or the cheques issued are returned due to insufficient funds.
MPs argue that this has created a situation where they are wrongly blamed for any inconsistencies, which they claim are often beyond their control.
Media's role
During a meeting with Deputy Auditor General Isaac Kamau, the MPs also raised concerns about the media's role in amplifying the issues highlighted in the audit reports.
“They [media] report things you have not presented to us,” said Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna, suggesting that the media often presents alarming stories without a full understanding of the facts. Nguna and other MPs also questioned whether the Auditor General’s office was deliberately targeting them for political reasons, adding fuel to the growing tensions.
The MPs further criticised the requirement to use the postal system for cheque deliveries to schools. They argue that the process is inefficient and has led to unnecessary delays in receiving acknowledgements from the institutions, resulting in further audit queries. Nabulindo questioned the logic behind this requirement, noting the inconvenience it causes, especially when schools are easily accessible.
Despite the criticisms, Deputy Auditor General Kamau defended the office’s work, insisting that audits are based on the information available at the time of the review. He stressed that the purpose of the audits is to ensure transparency and accountability, with clear documentation required for all funds disbursed.
“Audits are done on certain dates. As of that date, you must account for money that is out and money that is in,” Kamau explained.
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