The Embu County government is facing serious scrutiny after it emerged that Ksh.10 million meant for a key development project was diverted to fund a political gathering aimed at empowering boda boda riders. The matter was revealed during a hearing by the Senate Public Accounts Committee, where county officials were questioned over the use of public funds.
According to details presented before the committee, the money had been allocated for the construction of the county aggregated industrial park, a project expected to support local manufacturing, create jobs, and boost the economy of Embu County.
Instead of being used for this purpose, the funds were withdrawn and used to finance a boda boda summit that was attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Senators expressed shock and concern over the decision to redirect development funds to a political programme.
They questioned why the county government chose to finance a public event while an important infrastructure project remained incomplete. Members noted that the industrial park would have provided long-term benefits to residents, unlike a one-day function.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Embu county governor Cecily Mbarire and a section of boda boda riders during the past engagement. Photo Courtesy:
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire admitted before the committee that the funds were used for the boda boda event.
She explained that the county had organized a summit to launch boda boda Saccos and had already promised to give the groups financial support.
However, she said there was no money available at the time, leading the county to use funds that had been set aside for the industrial park.
Her admission surprised members of the committee, who criticized the move as illegal and irresponsible.
The committee chairperson, Moses Kajwang, said such actions showed a worrying trend where county leaders knowingly break the law and misuse public resources.
He compared the case to other incidents where counties had admitted to raiding public accounts for non-approved activities, saying the Embu case appeared even more serious.
Kajwang stressed that money allocated through proper channels, especially funds linked to Senate approvals, cannot be borrowed or redirected at will. He said the committee had a duty to make firm recommendations and declare the action illegal.
The committee further indicated that Governor Mbarire and the officers involved could be surcharged for their role in the illegal withdrawal of funds.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna took a strong position, arguing that Embu County should face tough punishment. He said there must be a clear distinction between mistakes made unknowingly and actions taken with full awareness that they break the law.
According to him, the county officials knowingly violated financial rules and should be held fully accountable.
In her defense, Governor Mbarire asked the Senate for leniency. She told the committee that this was the first time such an incident had occurred in Embu County and said the decision was made under immense pressure. She assured senators that the county government would not repeat such an action in the future.
Despite her plea, the case has raised wider concerns about the management of public funds in county governments and the need for stronger oversight to protect development money meant to improve the lives of citizens.
