Duale warns governors over abuse of public funds

 National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale has disregarded the plea by governors that they be given immunity against prosecution while in office.  (Courtesy)

By Kevin Kyalo

GARISSA—National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale has disregarded the plea by governors that they be given immunity against prosecution while in office.

Speaking in Garissa town on Sunday, Duale said the governors should be prepared to be arraigned in court if they are involved in any abuse of office.

He noted that the Council of Governors cannot intimidate or blackmail independent institutions that have been mandated by the Constitution to fight corruption.

“The Constitution and the law are very clear that the only person who enjoys immunity from prosecution is the President only. You cannot equate a governor to the President,” said Duale.

“Every officer working for the county and national government will be held accountable if public resources are wasted or corruptly gained. The Council of Governors cannot blackmail the Director of Public Prosecutions, DCI, and other independent bodies,”  he added.

The CoG wants governors granted immunity against prosecution, like the President.

Duale maintained that governors as the CEOs of their counties should be held directly responsible for any malpractices and economic crimes committed in their regions

The Garissa Township MP remarks come after the CoG criticised the government for the arrest of Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong on abuse of office charges. The governors termed the move as an intimidation

Mr Duale stated that the governors cannot claim to enjoy powers which are not mandated by the Constitution. He noted that Ojaamong was not the first governor to be arraigned in court.

He made a comparison in that a governor should be arrested just the same way a common citizen should in case they engage in any unlawful act.

“There is no special treatment for the governors when they are being arrested and they should not expect any at all. The way an ordinary citizen is arrested is the same way a high profile figure will be arrested,” stated Mr Duale.