The Office of the Controller of Budget has declined Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi’s request to halt withdrawals from the County Revenue Fund (CRF).
Senator Murungi, through a letter, had asked Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o to block any financial transactions from the CRF.
He cited the Senate’s decision to impeach Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza on grounds of gross violation of the Constitution, misconduct, and abuse of office.
In her response, Nyakang’o stated that pending the court’s decision, which temporarily suspended Mwangaza’s impeachment the Controller of Budget cannot legally stop withdrawals from the CRF.
“In light of the court order stopping the implementation of the Senate’s resolution to remove the Governor of Meru County from office, it means the Governor remains in office until the court issues further orders. Therefore, the Governor retains the capacity to assent to the Appropriation Bill as outlined in Section 24(1)(a) of the County Governments Act,” said Nyakang’o.
“Considering the court orders and the Appropriations Act being assented into law, our office cannot comply with your request to withhold authorization for withdrawals from the Meru County Revenue Fund. Our office is committed to respecting the rule of law and will adhere to any court orders that arise in this matter,” she added.
Meanwhile, Meru MCAs allied with Governor Mwangaza have criticized Senator Murungi for undermining development in the county.
They also denounced the ongoing protests in Meru County against Governor Mwangaza’s return to office, stating that she is legally in office according to the court order until a final decision is made on September 17.
