The Senate of Kenya has summoned former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu and other former county officials to provide explanations regarding discrepancies in the financial statements of the Kitui County Textile Centre (KICOTEC) for three financial years. This decision came after current Kitui Governor Julius Malombe raised concerns about the financial performance and accountability of the textile center during a session with the Senate Committee on Public County Investments.
The committee, chaired by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, highlighted significant financial and management challenges that have affected the operations and sustainability of KICOTEC. The Senate’s action was prompted by the failure of Governor Malombe to adequately explain the financial discrepancies that have plagued the textile center.
Under the authority granted by Article 125 of the Constitution and the Parliamentary (Powers and Privileges) Act of 2017, the Senate issued a formal summons to Charity Ngilu and the former management officials who were responsible for signing off on the financial statements during the years in question.
In addition to the summons, Governor Malombe has been directed to submit a comprehensive report on the status of the textile center, along with the names and contact details of its Board of Directors and the signatories to the industry’s bank accounts. The Senate has also involved the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which is expected to attend the upcoming session where these matters will be discussed.
This summon marks a significant step in addressing the financial issues surrounding KICOTEC and follows an ongoing investigation by the EACC into allegations of financial mismanagement and unlawful interference by Charity Ngilu during her time as governor.
