Gusii MPs claim Ruto behind Nyakango's woes

Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang'o at a Mombasa Court on December 5, 2023, where she was charged with fraud. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

Gusii Members of Parliament have accused President William Ruto of being behind the tribulations that the Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang'o is facing.

The eight Members of Parliament who addressed Journalists at Parliament Buildings, Nairobi, yesterday that Dr Nyakang'o was being victimised following her submissions before the National Dialogue Committee over budgeted corruption.

The Controller of Budget (CoB) was yesterday arrested in Mombasa and arraigned in court after she was allegedly implicated in Sh29 million fraud.

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka said the President should be aware that the Gusii community is not happy with how Nyakang'o was being treated yet she was an officer who was carrying out her work in line with the Constitution.

"Dr Margaret Nyakang'o is one government officer who has kept off the politics of Kenya Kwanza Alliance and Azimio la Umoja and performed her roles well, there is a plan to hound her out of office since she was not going to accept corrupt activities happening under her watch," said Onyonka.

Nyamira Senator Okong'o Omogeni told the Head of State that if he wants a political war with the Gusii nation they are ready for him since he has systematically shown that he was out to frustrate the community that stands for the truth and works diligently.

Omogeni said that Nyakang'o was performing the job given to her by the government wondering why the accusations that are being made against her are coming up seven years later wondering why that issue did not come up during her vetting.

West Mugirango MP Steve Mogaka expressed disappointment at the developments claiming that they are aimed to demean the Gusii who are hardworking and strive to do their best in all the positions they serve.

"We are reading some schemes to kick out the Controller of Budget at a time when the Constituency Development Fund among other funds have not been disbursed, Dr Nyakang'o who comes from my constituency is a professional who had distinguished herself in service to the nation," said Mogaka.

There was drama during the press briefing when some of the legislators walked out as Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba defended President Ruto against any wrongdoing saying that the harassment of Nyakang'o was happening while he was out of the country.

Orwoba said that the Head of State meant well for the community and it was only some shadowy individuals who were out to create a wedge between him and the Gusii.

The Nominated Senator's sentiments irked Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi who said that the President was solely behind what was happening to the CoB and it was clear some people want to kick her out of office.

"Let nobody lie to Kenyans that some people are taking advantage of the President being out of the country to harass the Controller of Budget, he is very much aware of what is happening, he is out to punish Dr Nyakango due to her stand against corruption activities," said Kibagendi.

Kisii County MP Dorice Aburi said that the planned hounding out of office of Nyakang'o was another joke just like the harassment of the Gusii schools during the national examination.

Nyamira Women Rep Jerusha Momanyi noted that the CoB was a highly respected professional who should not be treated badly by the government that she has served diligently by ensuring that state funds were properly utilised.