Butere MP Tindi Mwale elected PAC chair, edging out Otiende Amollo in tight race

Mwale, who had previously served as the committee's Vice Chairperson, had been acting as Chairperson for the past six months following the appointment of nominated MP Hon. John Mbadi as Chief Secretary for National Treasury.

In a hotly contested election, Mwale defeated Otiende by 3 votes, receiving 9 votes to Otiende's 6.

In his acceptance speech, Mwale thanked committee members for entrusting him with the leadership role, promising to strengthen the committee's oversight of public funds and emphasizing his commitment to keeping the PAC an effective watchdog on government spending.

“We have worked together over the past six months examining audited financial statements of government ministries, departments, and agencies. Now that the committee is fully formed, we can be more active in ensuring that accounting officers maintain transparency and efficiency in the use of public funds," he said.

In his concession speech, Otiende Amollo thanked the members who supported his candidacy.

Garissa Woman Representative Amina Siyad Udgoon defeated Funyula MP Dr Wilberforce Oundo 11 votes to 4 to win the Vice-Chair position.

Amina Siyad Udgoon, the newly elected Vice Chairperson, expressed gratitude for committee members' confidence in her, emphasizing the significance of her election as a woman in a key leadership position.

“I am truly honored by the trust you have placed in me. It is remarkable that I, as a woman, have risen to this leadership position within PAC. I promise to serve diligently and with the utmost respect for the role entrusted to me,” she said.

The Public Accounts Committee is a crucial parliamentary watchdog, tasked with scrutinizing government expenditure and ensuring public funds are used prudently.