Ruto now defends Waititu over ‘questionable’ county expenditure – Nairobi News

Deputy President William Ruto has publicly defended Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu in the wake of reports that the county spent Sh2 billion on questionable projects, most of which fall under the national government.

This after a report by Auditor-General Edward Ouko revealed that the county allocated Sh973 million for coordination of State House functions, Sh58 million for the South Sudan peace process, and Sh804 million for free primary education.

All these functions fall under the national government and Waititu has since disowned the report.

ABSOLVED FROM BLAME

However, speaking at a public event on Sunday, Ruto appeared to absolve his close political ally from blame.

Instead, the DP suggested that questions over that particular expenditure should be directed to the Presidency.

“People are asking Waititu questions regarding South Sudan, retired presidents and State House. But he is the Kiambu Governor, the county’s budget doesn’t fund these activities. These questions should be directed to the national government. The governor is not in a position to know about such expenditure,” Ruto said.

WAITITU’S CRITICS

Regardless of the high-level backing, Waititu continues to draw public backlash.

Among those who have publicly criticized Waititu is Thika Town MP, Patrick Wainaina, who has asked President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to arrest the governor.