Ex-Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu Summoned, Here Is Why

Former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu has been summoned by the Senate Public County Investments and Special Funds Committee over the financial statements of the Kitui County Textile Centre.

In a statement on Thursday, August 29, the committee summoned Ngilu and former Kitui county management officials who signed the county textile center's financial statements between 2019 and 2021.

"The committee hereby issues summons, pursuant to Article 125 of the Constitution and sections 18 and 20 of the Parliamentary (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017, to the former Governor of Kitui County Charity Ngilu, the former top management officials, and all officials who signed financial statements of the Kitui County Textile Center in the Financial years 2019/2020, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022,” read part of the statement.

According to the committee, the Auditor-General issued adverse opinions for the center's financial years 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, highlighting significant management and financial challenges that threatened its operations and sustainability.

Kitui Governor Julius Malombe appeared before the committee earlier to address concerns regarding the center's financial performance and accountability.

The committee directed Governor Malombe to submit various reports and information within three days, including the center's status report, names and contact details of the Board of Directors, and details of signatories to the textile center's bank accounts.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officials were also invited to participate in a forthcoming meeting, scheduled for next month, to investigate the matter further.

Ngilu served as the Kitui Governor between 2017 and 2022.