BY ANGELA R. KIURA
Manyatta Member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji has faulted Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire over the diversion of Sh10 million earmarked for the construction of the Embu County Industrial Park to finance a political event.
Speaking during a bursary distribution ceremony in Embu Town, Mukunji said the issue was unearthed following revelations made by Governor Mbarire before the Senate Public Accounts Committee (PAC), where the expenditure on the political gathering came to light.
“This is money that was budgeted for a development project meant to create jobs and spur industrial growth in Embu. Diverting it to a political function is unacceptable and a clear misuse of public resources,” Mukunji said.
He questioned the governor’s apology over the matter, insisting that accountability must go beyond public regret.
“An apology alone is not enough. Public funds must be safeguarded, and the Senate must ensure county governments use money strictly for its intended purpose,” he added.
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Appearing before the Senate PAC, Governor Mbarire acknowledged the expenditure and apologized, saying the funds were redirected due to what she described as administrative and budgetary challenges.
She told the committee that the money would be reinstated to the industrial park project and measures put in place to prevent a recurrence.
However, Mukunji dismissed the explanation, warning that diverting development funds delays key projects and undermines public confidence in devolution.
“When development money is used for politics, it is the people of Embu who lose through stalled projects and missed opportunities,” he said.
The Senate Public Accounts Committee is mandated to scrutinize the use of public resources by county governments based on reports from the Auditor-General.
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