According to a report by the Daily Nation, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is looking into the governor and the county assembly over Ksh50 million tender payment it claims was irregular.
Speaking over the matter, EACC Central Region Manager Charles Rasugu noted that some of the allegedly lost funds were used in irregular payments of allowances for foreign trips and tenders.
Under investigations is also a former speaker of the county assembly who the agency accused of releasing the allowances illegally.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru addresses mourners during the burial of Jane Wanjiku Mburati at Kambarare Village, Gichugu constituency on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.
“It is said the acting speaker was involved in transactions he had no powers to conduct. We will read the laws on the powers of an acting speaker.
“The reports came when we had scaled down our operations due to coronavirus. We cannot go to Kirinyaga to get the files. We are reviewing the reports and will act accordingly,” stated Rasungu.
The EACC regional manager, however, confirmed that investigations into the matter would kick off after Covid-19 outbreak cools down because then is when the agency will send its detectives to the county.
This comes just days after the High Court halted an impeachment case against the Kirinyaga governor who the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) accused of abusing her office.
Mutira Ward Representative David Kinyua Wangui disclosed that Waiguru had reportedly been paid money to the tune of Ksh10.6 million for a trip she allegedly failed to attend.
He further noted that the money was disbursed on the same day that the invoices were issued.
The High Court, on Tuesday, March 7, suspended the impeachment attempt, albeit temporarily, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Justice Weldon Korir pointed out that the governor did not have ample time to defend herself.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru (right) speaks to her deputy Peter Ndambiri.