The Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee has fined former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu Ksh 500,000 for failing to attend a hearing related to the Kitui County Textile Center (KICOTEC). The committee, probing KICOTEC’s financial statements and land ownership disputes, has issued fresh summons for Ngilu to appear at a later date.
During the session, Justus Makau, the former County Chief Officer of Trade and Investments, was questioned over Ksh 168 million flagged by the Auditor General. The committee, led by Senator Ledama Olekina, demanded documents related to the occupation of land belonging to Syongila Vocational Training Centre, with Olekina pressing Makau: “Show us the lease agreement, purchase documents, or rather admit that you forcefully took over the land.”
Financial management practices at KICOTEC were also questioned, particularly concerning regular cash withdrawals by Georgina Musembi and Faith Muna. The committee raised concerns over the lack of transparency in handling KICOTEC funds.
Maggie Kitonga, the chairperson of Syongila Vocational Training Centre, testified on the community’s legal battle to retain ownership of the land, stating that they had fundraised to challenge the occupation in court and won the case.
Senator Osotsi, chairperson of the committee, emphasized the need for Ngilu’s presence to resolve the disputes. “We cannot get to the bottom of this matter without the former Governor. I hereby, on behalf of the committee, resolve that we issue fresh summons for her reappearance, fine her Ksh 500,000 for her non-appearance today according to the standing orders.”
The committee has rescheduled further hearings to continue investigations into the financial irregularities and land issues involving KICOTEC.
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