Senate panel summons Governor Njuki over skipped audit hearing

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki./COURTERSY

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki is facing scrutiny from a Senate watchdog committee after lawmakers raised concerns over his reported failure to appear before it to respond to audit queries.

The issue arose on Tuesday when the Senate Public Accounts Committee (PAC) expressed dissatisfaction after Njuki reportedly did not attend a scheduled session to address matters raised in an audit report.

The summons followed findings by Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu for the financial year ending June 30, 2025, which highlighted financial issues within the county government.

“The governor’s appearance is not optional; it is mandatory,” PAC Chairman Moses Kajwang’ said.

Kajwang’ issued a fresh summons requiring Njuki to appear on a date to be set by the committee, warning that failure to comply could result in sanctions provided for under the law, including fines or other enforcement measures.

Earlier in the day, Njuki was reportedly present in Parliament but did not appear before the committee when orderlies were directed to escort him to the hearing.

Kajwang’ cautioned that failure to honour parliamentary summons may attract legal consequences under the Powers and Privileges Act, which governs parliamentary proceedings.

“Failure to comply with a summons of a parliamentary committee is a serious matter. If necessary, we will consider further action within the law,” he said.

According to Kajwang’, the summons was issued to allow the governor to respond to issues raised in the Auditor-General’s report.

“We have audit reports raising concerns on financial management in the county. That is why we invited the governor – to provide explanations on these matters,” he said.

PAC members said the committee would not tolerate continued absence from its proceedings.

“The next appearance will be through a formal summons. We want to assure the people of Tharaka Nithi that all issues raised by the Auditor-General will be examined,” Kajwang’ added.

The Auditor-General’s report indicates that the county had pending bills amounting to Sh882.57 million, including Sh150.50 million that has been outstanding for more than four years.

The report notes that explanations had not been provided on why some long-standing trade payables remain unsettled.

Also highlighted are stalled or delayed development projects valued at more than Sh879 million.

Among the projects cited are the construction of Igangara Bridge (Sh21 million), Ndagani Market (Sh42.94 million), and the upgrading of the Tunyai–Ntaara Road (Sh689.34 million).

The committee also raised concerns over the county’s implementation of the Facility Improvement Financing Act, which allows health facilities to retain internally generated revenue to improve service delivery.

The audit report further pointed to challenges in county health facilities, which lawmakers said require clarification from the county leadership.

PAC Vice-Chairman Johnes Mwaruma said the governor’s absence was unusual, noting that governors who are unable to attend committee sittings typically submit formal explanations.

“The governor was seen in Parliament, and it is unclear why he could not attend the scheduled hearing,” Mwaruma said.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei said failure to appear before the committee would not help resolve the audit concerns.

“We invited the governor to account for the use of public resources allocated to Tharaka Nithi County. If he fails to appear, the committee has procedures it can invoke,” Cherargei said.

Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua said the governor, as the head of the county executive, has a responsibility to appear before oversight bodies.

“The governor is the custodian of county resources, and it is important that he engages with the committee,” Wambua said.

The developments come amid increased scrutiny by Parliament over compliance with oversight processes by county leaders.

Last week, the committee also summoned Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja to explain the status of enforcing a directive requiring the appearance of Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit before the committee.

The committee said it would continue to pursue compliance with its summonses using available legal mechanisms.

“We will take all lawful steps to ensure accountability,” Kajwang’ said.