Tensions are rising in Kirinyaga County following accusations by Mutithi Ward MCA and County Assembly Deputy Speaker Jinaro Njamumo against the Finance County Executive Committee Member (CECM), Jackline Njogu, over the alleged misappropriation of more than Ksh200 million earmarked for development and bursary programmes.
Addressing journalists in Kerugoya Town on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Njamumo demanded Njogu’s immediate suspension, claiming that county revenue and budget allocations remain unaccounted for despite consistent calls for transparency.
“The county collected Ksh36 million in 2022/2023 and Ksh101 million in 2023/2024 that’s Ksh138 million above projections yet there’s no clear explanation of how the funds were spent. When we sought clarification, we were referred to outdated figures from 2017. That’s unacceptable,” said Njamumo.
He further revealed that the County Assembly approved Ksh60 million for bursaries in the 2024/2025 financial year, but the funds were never presented for reallocation, raising suspicion of irregular expenditure.
The Deputy Speaker also questioned the soaring costs of health projects, noting that facilities such as Kianyaga, Kimibi, and Sagana Level 4 Hospitals were each budgeted at Ksh248 million, yet Kianyaga Hospital alone has already exceeded Ksh700 million.
“Whenever we ask for accountability, we are met with intimidation and diversion. We are calling on investigative agencies to probe these matters urgently,” he asserted.
Kiini Ward MCA Geoffrey Murimi Gakuru, who chairs the Finance Committee, supported Njamumo’s remarks, reiterating that the Assembly will fully exercise its oversight mandate.
“Even when emergency funds are used, they must later be presented to the Assembly for approval. We will ensure every shilling is accounted for,” Gakuru stated.
Inoi Ward MCA Fredrick Maina, who initially raised the issue in the Assembly, alleged attempts to silence him for questioning the number of bank accounts operated by the County Government.
“Some MCAs are being pressured to sign petitions to remove me as committee chair just because I demanded transparency. That’s intimidation, but I won’t back down,” he said.
When contacted, Finance CECM Jackline Njogu denied any wrongdoing, insisting that no funds were lost.
“The Ksh115 million bursary allocation Ksh60 million from the Executive and Ksh55 million from the Assembly was reallocated to priority projects such as road maintenance, water systems, and other developments following mutual agreement. No money is missing,” Njogu explained.
She further clarified that the additional revenues mentioned were generated by hospitals through the Facility Improvement Fund (FIF), not from the county’s own-source income.
Despite her defence, pressure continues to mount on the Kirinyaga County Finance Department, with MCAs vowing to push for a full audit and hold those responsible accountable for any financial improprieties.
