Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has called on governors and other leaders to uphold Constitutional requirements, warning that failure to do so undermined accountability and delayed disbursement of development funds to counties.
Speaking during a live interview at Vihiga FM, Osotsi expressed concern over what he termed as widespread non-compliance with court rulings and constitutional provisions governing public finance management.
The Senator specifically cited failure by some county governments to adhere to Section 229 of the Constitution, which requires regular auditing of public funds. He noted that audits are supposed to be conducted every three months according to the high court ruling but delays in the process had negatively impacted the timely disbursement of funds.
“Failure to observe these timelines leads to delays or even reduction of funds allocated to counties, as disbursements are then based on outdated expenditure reports instead of current financial needs,” he said.
Osotsi further criticized some governors for failing to appear before Senate oversight committees on time, with others offering excuses. He referenced a recent case involving Samburu Governor Jonathan Lati Lelelit, who allegedly appeared before the Senate at the last minute without county officials, claiming they had switched off their phones.
He said such actions frustrate efforts by the Senate to ensure accountability in the use of public resources.
“We will not get tired until we ensure that governors are held accountable for the funds entrusted to them,” Osotsi stated.
He also cautioned citizens to be vigilant when electing leaders, warning that some governors are prioritizing political survival over accountability.
“Right now, every governor is focused on securing a second term and singing ‘Two Term’ so that they are protected by the President instead of accounting for the resources allocated to them,” he said, adding that some leaders resort to political mobilization to evade scrutiny when questioned.
Osotsi’s remarks come barely five days after senators were involved in a standoff to arrest Governor Lelelit, an incident that sparked fracas within Parliament.
by Rose Wasike
