The Ministry of Health was put on the spotlight on Wednesday over the controversial Sh63 billion leased medical kits programme.
Former Attorney General Prof. Githu Muigai has blamed the Ministry of Health for failing to follow the legal advice he gave prior to the signing of the Managed Equipment Service (MES) programme.
Githu appeared before the Senate ad hoc committee probing the controversial Sh63 billioned leased medical kits programme. Ministry is accused of ignoring to submit final contracts to AG's office for review.
The former A.G told the Fatuma Dullo led panel he only authorised MoH to sign pre-contracts with the contractors on February 6, 2015 at State House.
MoH was then expected to enter into further negotiations and forward the documents to the AG’s office for review before signing the final and binding contracts.
Panel members Senator Moses Wetangula (Bungoma) and Enoch Wambua (Kitui) put the former A.G task when they demanded to know the exact thing AG wanted to verify when there was an express letter from him allowing the ministry to sign the contracts on February 6.
“Where in this letter, is your express wording that what was being signed on the February of 6 was a ceremony? You have clearly indicated that they sign the contracts,” Wetangula asked.
The Kitui lawmaker asked what Prof. Githu was reviewing? It is finalised. It is concluded. It is signed. What are you reviewing?” Wambua posed.
Githu maintained that he only authorised the signing of the pre-contracts, a ceremonial event held at State House to show the parties’ willingness and intention to enter into a binding contract.
The projects has been met with criticism, even the council of governors has termed it as a rip off the taxpayers with several reports showing that the taxpayers were given a raw deal.