Deputy President William Ruto has condemned those involved in the fresh scandal at the National Youth Service (NYS) and asked anti-graft agencies to pursue the culprits.
In a series of tweets on Friday, the deputy president said all those involved in the NYS and maize scandals should face the full force of the law.
"Relevant agencies are directed to apply their mandate and spare no effort to investigate, prosecute individuals who have misappropriated public funds, and if found culpable, the courts should dispense swift justice," said Ruto.
He said elected leaders must shoulder the responsibility of public office by being good stewards of resources and ensuring value for money.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee on Friday, Public Service, and Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Lilian Mbogo Omollo denied the loss of Sh9 billion at the NYS.
Mrs Omollo said her denial was based on the auditor general's report for 2016/17, which she said gave NYS expenditure a clean bill of health.
“The loss of Sh9 billion as alleged would mean that NYS is technically closed,” she said.
At least 40 people, including the PS, have been summoned by the Director of Criminal Investigations for questioning over the Sh9 billion scandal at NYS.
Head of CID George Kinoti said he had assembled a team of detectives to take statements from those scheduled to appear at the headquarters.
MAIZE SCANDAL
On Thursday, leaders and farmers from the North Rift told the Agriculture ministry to take responsibility for the latest maize scandal and make public a list of the Sh1.9 billion beneficiaries.
Moiben legislator Silas Tiren and Kenya Farmers Association boss Kipkorir Menjo said fraudsters took advantage of their positions in government to import excess subsidised maize and sell the grain to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) at exaggerated prices.
Menjo claimed a senior State official from the North Rift and aides were behind the scandal.
“The individuals behind this scam are well known. They took advantage of their background to deliver cheap grain from Mexico and Uganda to NCPB,” he said, as quoted by The Nation.