This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
June 24, 2020
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has presented evidence of her foreign trip, countering claims by the county assembly that she received payments for trips she never made.
Waiguru tabled six photographs before the special committee on her impeachment, which she claimed were proof of her trip to the US and Italy.
The governor was accused by the members of the county assembly (MCAs) of receiving Sh10.6 million in imprest for foreign travel to the US and Italy, ostensibly to meet potential buyers of Kirinyaga coffee.
However, Waiguru told the committee that she actually travelled and produced the photos as evidence.
The photos show Kirinyaga County assembly Majority Leader Peter Marango among those who made the trip. Marango is among the MCAs who supported claims that she had not travelled.
Explanations of the photographs were provided by nominated MCA Kepher Kariuki, who appeared before the committee as Waiguru's second witness.
Mr. Kariuki identified Marango in the photographs but could not confirm the setting of the photo, only saying, 'It was not in Kenya.'
Waiguru's adviser on ICT, Wayne Gichira, and Director of Administration Pauline Kamau were accused by the MCAs of being used by the governor to influence recruitment to the tender and evaluation committee.
However, the head of procurement in the county, Mr. Joseph Carilus Otieno, defended the governor against the claims, saying she has no role in the composition of the committees.
