Renowned political analyst Edward Kisiang'ani has defended Kiambu County Governor Ferdinand Waititu over the Sh2 billion scandal reported by Auditor General Edward Ouko.
According to Kisiang'ani, the report presented to the Senate was baseless and unworthy.
The analyst charged the Senate to always ensure the reports tabled before it are verified before forwarding them for public discussions.
“I don't believe Kiambu Governor Waititu endorsed a budget for State House, South Sudan and retired presidents. He is not a fool. The report presented to the Senate must be a deliberate narrative in financial comedy. Senate should verify reports before adopting them for discussion," said Kisiang'ani.
The University of Nairobi lecturer noted that the process of budget-making, approval and execution involves more people and institutions, arguing that Waititu should not carry the blame alone.
“Even if Kiambu Governor Waititu wanted to embezzle public funds he would not be foolish enough to bring in State House, South Sudan and former presidents. Besides budget making, approval and execution are elaborate processes which involve more people and institutions (other) than the governor," he added.
This comes after the Senate County Public Accounts and Investment Committee on Thursday revealed that the Kiambu County Government had spent Sh2 billion on fictitious allocations all of which are responsibilities of the national government.
According to Auditor General Edward Ouko, the county government had allocated Sh978 million for the coordination of State House activities, Sh58 million for South Sudan peace deal and Sh804 million for free primary education all of which fall under the national government.