This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
On June 16, 2020, former Auditor General Edward Ouko spoke out about his life in retirement, revealing that the government had withdrawn his security and benefits, which were due to him when he left office nine months ago, are yet to be paid.
Mr. Ouko, who retired in August 2019, made the revelation in an exclusive interview on Citizen TV, stating that the State had left him vulnerable. He expressed uncertainty about his security, saying, “It is very difficult to tell you whether or not I am secure. Thank God for the last nine months I have been able to move around but all the securities were withdrawn.”
During his tenure as Auditor General, Ouko upset the Executive for exposing looting and wastage of public funds, with President Uhuru Kenyatta publicly criticizing him during an anti-corruption conference at State House over the Eurobond saga.
Mr. Ouko also spoke about the challenges he faced during his tenure, including receiving personal threats for stepping on the wrong toes. He emphasized the importance of support and communication from the Executive, saying, “I would have liked more support and communication from the Executive at least at the highest level.”
Furthermore, Ouko sounded an alarm about the delay in the appointment of an Auditor General, warning that it may provide an opportunity for looting of public funds. He stated, “It is something of concern. When the cat is away, the rats may be all over the place. So there is that element that at this point in time there is a window of opportunity for those who really want to dip their hands into public coffers.”
The President is required to nominate an Auditor-General who shall then be vetted and approved by the National Assembly before taking office for an eight-year term.
