Several Azimio politicians, spearheaded by Narok County Senator Ledama Ole Kina, have raised concerns over the arrest of Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakango, questioning the intentions behind this action. They argue that her arrest reflects poorly on the state of Kenya’s democracy and suggests a corrupt system.
Senator Ole Kina, in his statement, critiqued the timing of the police action, which comes seven years after the initial complaint, implying that only those adept at navigating a corrupt system can thrive. He suggested a direct approach to the Kenya Kwanza government: if they take issue with the Controller of Budget’s role, they should consider constitutional amendments to abolish the office, rather than resorting to what he perceives as underhanded methods to hinder her work.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi echoed these sentiments, viewing the arrest as a form of political persecution aimed at silencing Nyakango’s anti-corruption efforts within the government. He praised her as a strong woman actively combating corruption at both the national and county government levels.
Third Way Alliance leader Ekuru Aukot also weighed in, expressing concern that the arrest might damage the reputation of the National Police Service (NPS), portraying it as a tool for political manipulation. He emphasized the potential negative impact on public trust in the police service.
The controversy around the Controller of Budget escalated after her presentation at the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO), where she accused senior Treasury officials of engaging in corruption through budget manipulation. She disclosed that the National Treasury had inflated her salary budget threefold, with the surplus funds not reaching her account. Nyakango clarified, “When I was doing the budget for consolidated fund services, where my salary is paid from, I found that my salary was budgeted at three times what I’m paid. Being the only state officer in my institution, there can be no confusion here.”
Nyakango’s arrest in Mombasa has sparked widespread online discussion, with many observers linking her current troubles to her bold stand against corruption in the government.
