Kimani Ichung’wah Denies Claims of a Plot to Remove Auditor General
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has dismissed accusations that he introduced a bill aimed at removing the Auditor General as the head of the National Audit Office.
In a statement, Ichung’wah accused his critics of spreading misleading information, stating that they had distorted the actual content of the bill he presented in Parliament. He urged those opposing the bill to carefully read its details on the National Assembly’s website before making conclusions.
He also emphasized that removing the Auditor General from the leadership of the National Audit Office would be unconstitutional.
“The propaganda lords have crafted their own non-existent bill on the office of the Auditor General with provisions that only exist in their infertile imaginations,” Ichung’wah remarked.
“All one needs to do is read the bill and the committee’s report on the website, as only fools would believe such unconstitutional things can be crafted. For a factual view of all bills before Parliament, just visit the Parliamentary website and ignore the disingenuous propaganda,” he added.
Bill Sparks Controversy
The Public Audit Amendment Bill 2024, sponsored by Ichung’wah, has triggered public backlash, particularly from Kenyans on social media. The proposed law seeks, among other things, to give additional powers to Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, making him responsible for the Public Seal and other state instruments not assigned to other officials.
Critics argue that if passed, the bill would undermine the Auditor General’s authority, potentially weakening oversight on public funds. They claim that the bill could hinder the fight against corruption by limiting the Auditor General’s independence.
However, a closer examination of the bill reveals that its purpose is to restructure the Office of the Auditor General through the introduction of new clauses. These include the abolition of certain offices and the creation of new ones to enhance operational efficiency.
Proposed Amendments
Among the major changes suggested in the bill is a provision requiring consultation with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) on salaries and benefits for staff within the Auditor General’s office. Additionally, it proposes the abolition of the Senior Deputy Auditor General’s position and the creation of a Deputy Auditor General, who would be appointed by the Auditor General.
Despite Ichung’wah’s reassurances, the bill remains highly controversial, with critics maintaining that it could dilute the independence of the National Audit Office.
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Kimani Ichung’wah Denies Claims of a Plot to Remove Auditor General
