Governor Kuti, Dullo clash in audit probe

Isiolo Governor Mohamed Kuti yesterday clashed with a senator when he appeared before a House committee for grilling on audit queries.

The governor was appearing before the Senate Public Accounts and Investment Committee to respond to audit queries raised by Auditor General Edward Ouko on the county's spending during the 2017-2018 financial year.

During the session, the governor accused Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo of being an impediment to his development plans.

Ms Dullo had demanded to know why the governor signed a Sh433 million deal with a foreign firm to manage healthcare in the county.

The senator was a vocal opponent of the deal, which would have seen the firm take charge of three sub-county hospitals for four years before it was stopped by Senate and Treasury.

Responding to the question, Dr Kuti accused Dullo of being the reason the project he described as "noble" and "impactful" failed to take off.

“It is disheartening that Senate is said to be guardian angel of the counties, but in Isiolo, when a genuine and impactful project is undertaken like the healthcare deal, the senator goes against it,” said the governor

His remark did not go down well with the senator who tried to interrupt him leading to a shouting match before the committee's chair, Senator Moses Kajwang’ restored order.

“I am elected by the great people of Isiolo to represent them in Senate, I also have a right to say this is wrong,” she said.

The governor maintained that his administration had adhered to procurement rules.