Shock Decision: Governor Kang’ata Removes Entire Audit Committee in Murang’a
In a surprising move, Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has revoked the appointments of five members serving on the county’s Audit Committee. This decision was formally announced through a Gazette Notice dated Friday, July 17, 2024.
The members affected by this decision are Paul Mbugua Mwaura, Samuel Kuria Allan, Robinson Kiragu Ngethe, Michael Nganga Gatua, Esther Muthoni Gitumbo, and Caroline Wakairu Gathiru. The revocation takes immediate effect, as stipulated in the notice.
Governor Kang’ata exercised his authority based on several constitutional and legal provisions. Specifically, Article 179 (4) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, grants the Governor the power to perform necessary functions for effective county governance.
Additionally, sections 30 (2) (a) and 31 (d) of the County Governments Act, 2012, outline the framework for appointing and removing county committee members. Section 155 (5) of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, relates to the Audit Committee’s oversight responsibilities in managing public finances at the county level.
“I, Dr. Irungu Kangata, Governor, Murang’a County, revoke the appointment of— Paul Mbugua Mwaura, Samuel Kuria Allan, Robinson Kiragu Ngethe, Michael Nganga Gatua, Esther Muthoni Gitumbo, Caroline Wakairu Gathiru, as members of the Murang’a County Government Audit Committee, with immediate effect,” Governor Kang’ata stated in the Gazette notice.
The Governor’s move underscores his commitment to maintaining the integrity and accountability of the county’s financial management systems. However, the notice did not specify the reasons behind the revocation, leaving room for speculation regarding the factors influencing this decision.
The Audit Committee, according to the Public Sector Accounting Standards Board, plays a crucial role in assisting the governing body and top management in the financial reporting process, internal control system, risk management, audit processes, and compliance monitoring.
This revocation comes on the heels of a recent controversy involving Governor Kang’ata. On July 4, he was questioned about his association with a former Chief Executive Committee Member accused of purchasing a house worth Ksh257 million (USD2 million) in Washington State, USA, allegedly using embezzled county funds. Governor Kang’ata vehemently denied any connections, clarifying that the accused individual served in the previous administration, not his.
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Shock Decision: Governor Kang’ata Removes Entire Audit Committee in Murang’a
