Baringo County Under Fire in Senate for Opening 304 Unauthorized Bank Accounts

The Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations has ordered the Baringo County Government to produce documents detailing the opening of 304 unauthorized bank accounts. This directive came on Monday, as Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi appeared before the committee to address the issue.

The senators, citing the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act, have given Governor Cheboi a strict two-day deadline to comply with their order. Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka led the charge, expressing alarm over the sheer number of accounts allegedly used to operate DANIDA funds. Onyonka suggested that the proliferation of these accounts raises serious concerns about the potential illegal withdrawal of public funds.

Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma, the vice-chair of the committee, underscored the gravity of the situation. "County governments must adhere to PFM laws. The misuse of public funds is unacceptable," Mumma stated emphatically, calling for transparency and accountability.

In his defense, Governor Cheboi claimed that the commercial accounts were established under directives from DANIDA to facilitate easier auditing of their programs. "We had received additional grants following the proper usage of initial funds," Cheboi explained, asserting that the accounts were meant to streamline financial management for DANIDA initiatives.

The Senate's investigation into the matter is part of a broader effort to ensure the lawful use of public funds and to reinforce financial regulations across Kenya's county governments. The outcome of this inquiry could have significant implications for Baringo County and its management of international aid funds.