Kirinyaga MCA demands finance CECM step aside over missing Ksh200M
By K24 Digital Reporter, October 29, 2025A storm is brewing in Kirinyaga after Mutithi Ward MCA and County Assembly Deputy Speaker Jinaro Njamumo called for the immediate suspension of Finance County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Jackline Njogu over the disappearance of more than Ksh200 million meant for development and bursary programmes.
Speaking to journalists in Kerugoya town on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Njamumo said the county had collected Ksh36 million in the 2022/2023 financial year and Ksh101 million in 2023/2024, an excess of Ksh138 million over projections, yet the executive has failed to explain how the money was utilised.
“When we demanded answers, we were referred back to figures from 2017. That is completely unacceptable.
The people of Kirinyaga deserve transparency, not confusion,” he stated firmly.
Njamumo further revealed that despite the County Assembly approving Ksh60 million for bursaries in the 2024/2025 budget, the funds were never tabled for reallocation, raising suspicion of irregular use of public resources.
He also questioned the escalating costs of county health projects, citing the Kianyaga, Kimibi, and Sagana Level 4 Hospitals, which were each budgeted at Ksh248 million, yet Kianyaga Hospital alone has already consumed more than Ksh700 million.
“Whenever we seek answers, we are taken in circles. We will not be intimidated. We are calling on investigative agencies to come to Kirinyaga and probe these issues thoroughly,” he asserted.
Kiini Ward MCA Geoffrey Murimi Gakuru, who chairs the Assembly’s Finance Committee, backed Njamumo’s sentiments, saying the Assembly will not shy away from its oversight role.
“Even if the CEC is allowed to use some funds for emergencies, the expenditure must later be brought before the Assembly for approval, as required by law. We will pursue the truth through all legal means,” Gakuru said.
Inoi Ward MCA Fredrick Maina, who initially raised the issue on the Assembly floor, claimed intimidation and threats since he questioned the number of bank accounts operated by the County Government.
“Some MCAs are being coerced to sign petitions to remove me as committee chair simply because I asked tough questions. That’s pure intimidation, but I will not be silenced,” he emphasised.
When contacted, Finance CECM Jackline Njogu dismissed the allegations, insisting that no money was lost.
She explained that the Ksh115 million bursary allocation, comprising Ksh60 million for the Executive and Ksh55 million for the Assembly, was reallocated to essential projects such as murraming feeder roads, water piping, and other development works, following a mutual agreement between both arms of government.
“No funds are missing. The additional revenue cited was collected by hospitals through the Facility Improvement Fund (FIF), not from our own-source revenue,” Njogu clarified.
Despite her defence, pressure continues to mount on the county’s finance department, with MCAs vowing not to relent until every shilling of public money is appropriately accounted for and those found culpable are held responsible.