MP Lotee claims Controller of Budget exposed salary fraud since she's an interested party

Lotee voiced his scepticism during an appearance on Citizen TV's Daybreak program early Monday, where he suggested that Nyakang’o's decision to bring to light the National Treasury's alleged over-budgeting of her salary by three times, and by extension, the salaries of other State officers, might be driven by her personal stake in the matter.

“She said that because she is an interested party, after her salary was inflated three times. What this tells you is that she is probably not representing Kenyans, nor is she looking at the budget the way she is supposed to,” he noted.

Lotee further emphasized that Nyakang’o's office should provide comprehensive oversight, scrutinizing budgets from every Ministry and County. 

He argued that the Controller of Budget's report is an essential tool for Parliament's oversight responsibilities, and if such revelations didn't come directly from her, it could indicate a gap in Parliament's investigative capabilities.

Adding to the discussion, Kathiani Member of Parliament, Robert Mbui, commended Nyakang'o for her courage in unveiling potential financial misconduct. 

“I think that the controller of budget has, for the first time, lifted the veil on some very major issues that have been happening in the country. We have always heard of budgeted corruption but none of them has ever come out cleanly and told us what is really going on,” Mbui stated.

Mbui also expressed his concern for Nyakang'o's safety, acknowledging that her revelations might not sit well with certain individuals, particularly those within the Treasury who have been implicated.

Reflecting on his role as a second-term MP in Kathiani, Mbui emphasized that it's the responsibility of Parliament, specifically through the Budget and Appropriation Committee, to scrutinize the figures proposed by the Treasury. 

He suggested that there is a tendency to accept these figures at face value, but the recent events highlight the need for more in-depth research and independent data collection to ensure accurate budget proposals.

“Parliament has failed us in this case. Yes, this should have been flagged at the Committee stage. However, when castigating parliament, let us not do it wholesome. It is important to interrogate what individual members say,” he added.

Geoffrey Wandeto, the Member of Parliament for Tetu, emphasized that Nyakang'o's revelations are allegations and that further investigation is required to confirm their accuracy.

He called upon multiple investigative bodies, including the National Intelligence Service (NIS), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Inspector of State Corporations, and parliamentary committees to examine the budgeting process to enhance transparency and accountability.

This comes after the Controller of Budget's review of county budgets for the year 2022/2023 released in September, indicated that counties consistently exceeded the recommended limit for personnel expenditure, with 41.5% of realized revenues being spent on wages and benefits, surpassing the suggested 35%. 

Nyakang'o pointed out that only five counties managed to adhere to the 35% ceiling, including Turkana, Tana River, Mandera, Kwale, and Samburu.