Senate grills Arati over audit queries ahead of adoption of report

Kisii Governor Simba Arati had hard time Monday explaining to the Senate grey issues raised by the Auditor General in the 2023/24 annual audit report.

For the better of the heated session, the governor also failed to give tangible explanation on the absence of functional administrative units within his government, some remaining without substantive office holders months since the former holders left.

Among those affected is the County Public Service Board whose chair Elijah Obebo has since been sworn into office as Deputy Governor.

Former office holder Robert Monda was impeached for abuse of office claims.

On Monday, the Senate County Public Accounts and Investments Committee (CPAC) had invited Governor Arati ahead of the adoption the Audit report flagging unresolved 52 of the 64 queries in his administration.

Already the report has been scheduled for submission to the Senate on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
During the session, the Committee members engaged with Kisii County Executive officials as part of its oversight mandate, scrutinizing financial management practices in county governments.

Committee Chair Senator Moses Kajwang’ raised substantial concerns over accountability gaps that persist in the county’s expenditures.

The unresolved queries point to various financial irregularities, including unaccounted-for expenditures, procurement anomalies, and misallocation of public funds.

CPAC’s impending adoption of the report signals possible Senate interventions, including recommendations for financial sanctions, further audits, or disciplinary action against responsible officials.

If left unaddressed, such audit findings could have significant consequences for Kisii County, including potential withholding of national government disbursements, legal action against officials, and increased scrutiny from oversight agencies, said Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, also a member of the committee.

The county, he said, risks losing public trust in its governance and financial stewardship until the issues are addressed .

The Senate is expected to deliberate on the findings after CPAC submits the report, setting the stage for further accountability measures.