We'll send you to jail, Sarah Serem warns MCAs

Kenya: The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has opened a new battlefront with MCAs, warning they would be prosecuted and jailed for reckless spending on trips, leisure and hiring of support staff.

SRC chair Sarah Serem, who has been steadfast in fighting officials misusing public funds, said such wastage was unacceptable and pledged to cooperate with other agencies to bring culprits to book.

The Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) also said it would act on recommendations by the Salaries Commission on prosecution of MCAs who have broken the law.

Ms Serem said it would be a “tragedy” to stand aside and watch elected leaders looting from the public. She estimated that in some counties, each MCA has hired between four to ten support staff, whose are remunerated by taxpayers' money. This, she added, is illegal.

Already, the commission is conducting a review of the use of public funds by county assemblies. A report is expected at the end of this month.

Serem said although the commission’s role is restricted to review and advice, it would like to link with other responsible agencies including EACC to stem the rising tide of misuse of funds within the public sector.

“Each level of leadership in this county has a role to play. We will be linking up with other responsible commissions that have a role in safeguarding public interest to ensure that we uphold constitutionality and to stand in the interest of the public,” she said.

But at a different forum yesterday, the MCAs said Commission for Revenue Allocation (CRA) and the Controller of Budget which have protested at the wastage, have no mandate to determine their budgets. However, CRA commissioner Rose Osoro, said the Constitution allows them to make recommendations on financial expenditure for county assemblies.