Senators added their voice to the debate over whether the initiative was public or private, questioning why it appeared that the membership comprised only four members all businessmen yet in a advertisement aired on TV stations and also replayed in the chamber, the membership referred to the residents of Murang’a County.
“How much shares does the Governor have?” asked Senator Sang’.
The County Assembly disclosed that the cooperative society was limited to a few businessmen and the promoters of the company, prompting the chair to question why public money was being spent in a private institution.
“There was a challenge with the structure and this is admitted but that has now been resolved,” said Mbugua.
Senator Catherine Mukiite raised further queries over why the County Government did not feature in the membership and whether it was set to receive any dividends since it had put in Sh23 million.
West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo noted that although the project was noble idea, it was unjustified that Sh23 million would be taken out of the public coffers and invested in a private institution.
“You should have looked for how money will be sought legally… this is a serious audit query,” stated Lonyangapuo.
“There is no doubt that this initiative is not a product of the county government,” retorted Fatuma Dullo.
Iria was also hard-pressed to explain why Sh31 million was spent on paving roads, pathways and dormitory walkways of the Kahuhia Girls High school despite it not being included in the budget.
Governor Iria defended himself stating that the monies were drawn from the infrastructure vote adding that, “no money was lost.”
READ: Iria accuses Murang’a County Assembly of malice
The special committee is expected to present its report to the Senate Friday where the fate of Iria will be determined.
Other witnesses who appeared were James Benson Gakoni and Joseph Kimani Gitau.
“There is no doubt that the Governor is accountable for county resources and if he misuses them, then he can be impeached and punished but in this case, the threshold for impeachment has not been met,” said Mbugua.
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