By Newsflash Repoter
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika came under sharp scrutiny from senators after failing to explain why county-funded toilets meant for young learners were left incomplete for years, forcing pupils to share facilities with older students.
During a Senate Public Accounts Committee session, Taita Taveta Senator Johnes Mwaruma questioned the governor on the stalled projects.
“Stalled for years? So, are the pupils using bushes to relieve themselves?” Mwaruma posed.
Kihika responded that the county had intended to build toilets specifically for Early Childhood Development (ECD) learners to ease congestion. “We will do a report with more details, but I wanted to build ECD toilets because they were sharing with older pupils,” she explained.
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Questionable payments to private law firms
The governor also struggled to justify why her administration bypassed the county attorney and hired private law firms without approval.
“They have a county attorney, but they went ahead illegally to hire private law firms. They are yet to provide us with documents,” an auditor told the committee.
Kihika admitted that over Ksh.22 million had been paid to private lawyers but failed to provide proof of service. “Where is the attorney to answer this? I don’t understand why he isn’t here,” she said.
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Senators call for EACC probe
Unsatisfied with the responses, the Senate committee directed the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the irregular payments and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
The grilling comes amid growing concerns over stalled county projects and questionable spending at a time when resources remain stretched.
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