By R, KNA
Residents of Vihiga have raised concerns following reports that the county allegedly spent a whooping Sh5 million of taxpayers’ money to throw a lavish housewarming party for the local assembly speaker.
The issue emerged when governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo appeared before the Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Homa bay Senator Moses Kajwang, where the lawmakers sought clarification on the flagged expenditure, sparking widespread debate over accountability and prudent financial management.
The county leadership was also on the spot, when appearing before the Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds, as other queries were raised in relations to the Auditor General’s reports concerning water and sewerage, particularly the operations of Amatsi Water Services Company.
Senators pressed the governor on the prioritization of public funds, highlighting continued struggles faced by residents in accessing clean water and other essential services.
While the hearings focused on Amatsi, the senators hard-pressed the county chiefs to explain lopsided preference in their expenditures, where non-essential activities including celebrations were prioritized at the expenses of basic needs of the residents.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi expressed concern over high levels of non-revenue water, unsupported expenditures and weak internal controls.
“The systemic leadership failure at Amatsi is evident, and it is unacceptable for the county management to continuously offer the same explanations without tangible results,” he said, noting that the company had recorded water losses amounting to approximately Sh89 million, representing 44 per cent of non-revenue water.
“Strategies that do not yield results cannot justify such massive losses and the committee remains vigilant in ensuring accountability,” Osotsi added.
He warned that unless Amatsi demonstrates measurable progress, continued losses would be considered a waste of public resources, urging the management to take immediate corrective action.
The committee dismissed explanations centred on ageing infrastructure and future plans that lacked concrete outcomes, raising concerns over unresolved audit issues, board allowances, revenue systems and governance breaches.
The public has also taken to social media platforms, including X, Facebook, and WhatsApp to express dissatisfaction.
Many questioned the prioritization of county spending at a time when residents continue to face challenges in accessing clean water, healthcare and reliable infrastructure. Others called for oversight institutions to take firm action against officials found to have mismanaged public resources.
However, some residents urged patience, advising the public to await the outcome of investigations and official reports before drawing conclusions.
On his part, Dr. Ottichilo has reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency and responsible management of public funds, maintaining that all expenditures follow approved budgets and procurement laws.
Last year, the devolved unit signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) to enhance accountability and public finance at the county level, with the aim of achieving an Unqualified Opinion in the Financial Year 2024/2025.
The Senate is expected to analyze submissions from the Vihiga County Government and issue recommendations, aimed at strengthening financial accountability and improving service delivery.
The development reflect growing public demand for integrity, transparency and effective utilization of devolved funds across the country.