The National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities, chaired by Kasipul MP Charles Were, voiced concern over allegations detailed in a petition submitted by staff from the Auditor General’s Office. The petition accuses the management of engaging in grand corruption, creating a hostile work environment, and ignoring staff grievances, which have reportedly disrupted the organization’s operations
In a dramatic turn of events, Parliament has initiated an inquiry into corruption allegations against the Auditor General’s Office, an institution tasked with ensuring accountability in the use of public funds. The National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities will investigate claims of graft, nepotism, tribalism, abuse of office, and favouritism that have reportedly plagued the organization.
During a session chaired by Kasipul MP Charles Were, committee members expressed concern over the allegations raised in a petition by some Auditor General’s Office staff. The petition accuses the management of engaging in grand corruption, fostering a hostile work environment, and neglecting staff grievances, which has hindered the organization’s operations.
“The committee has received a petition from staff protesting alleged malpractices in the Auditor General’s Office, including tribalism, favoritism, and corruption, and they are seeking our intervention,” Were stated. He directed that the petition be forwarded to the Public Petitions Committee for detailed review.
The petition outlines numerous issues, including allegations that over 200 staff members possess fake qualifications, such as counterfeit Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificates, with no action taken against them. Staff members also cited mental anguish, lack of cohesion, and an unfair work environment caused by management practices.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge reminded the committee that anonymous complaints cannot be acted upon without proper documentation. “The law requires petitions to include the names, signatures, and contact information of the authors,” Mathenge emphasized.
Kamkunji MP Yusuf Hassan urged caution, suggesting that the accusations could stem from internal conflicts due to recent leadership changes in the Auditor General’s Office. “We should approach this matter professionally to avoid undermining the office,” he said.
However, some MPs, including Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana and Mwingi North MP Paul Nzengu, argued in favour of an inquiry, stating that it would provide a platform to verify the allegations or clear the Auditor General’s Office of wrongdoing.
Mandera West MP Adan Haji concurred, noting, “The staff have a right to be heard. An inquiry can either substantiate the claims or restore confidence in the institution.”
The Auditor General’s Office has faced scrutiny in the past for alleged malpractices, including failing to submit annual reports to Parliament and the President, irregular hiring practices, and wasteful procurement of software, such as a Ksh 100 million audit vault program allegedly acquired at an inflated cost.
As Parliament embarks on this probe, the inquiry aims to address the allegations decisively while safeguarding the integrity of the Auditor General’s Office, a cornerstone of public accountability.
