Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki is under fire from a Senate watchdog committee over what lawmakers describe as contempt, disrespect, and attempts to evade accountability for billions of taxpayers’ shillings entrusted to him.
The drama unfolded on Tuesday when the Senate Public Accounts Committee (PAC) launched a scathing attack after Njuki failed to appear before the committee to respond to audit queries.
The summons followed Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu’s report for the financial year ending June 30, 2025, which flagged serious financial anomalies in the county.
“The governor’s appearance is not optional; it is mandatory,” PAC Chairman Moses Kajwang’ asserted.He issued a fresh summons to Njuki to appear on a date to be set by the committee and warned that continued defiance could attract sanctions, including fines or police intervention to compel his attendance.
Earlier in the day, Njuki was reportedly in Parliament but was a no-show when committee orderlies were instructed to escort him to the PAC hearing.
Kajwang said the summons was prompted by the auditor’s revelations of widespread mismanagement in the county government.
“We have financial reports indicating serious mismanagement in the county. That is why we invited the governor – to explain these anomalies,” he said.PAC members condemned Njuki for what they described as “utter disrespect,” stressing that evasion would not be tolerated.
“The next appearance will not be optional. It will be a formal summons. We assure the people of Tharaka Nithi that every financial irregularity highlighted by the Auditor-General will be interrogated,” Kajwang added.The Auditor-General’s report revealed pending bills totaling Sh882.57 million, including Sh150.50 million outstanding for more than four years.
County management has failed to explain why these long-outstanding trade payables remain unsettled.
Also under scrutiny are stalled or delayed projects worth over Sh879 million, including: Key projects include the construction of Igangara Bridge (Sh21 million), the Ndagani Market (Sh42.94 million), and the upgrading of Tunyai-Ntaara Road (Sh689.34 million).
PAC also criticized Njuki’s administration for failing to implement the Facility Improvement Financing Act, which allows hospitals to retain internally generated revenues to improve services.
The auditor’s report highlighted severe inadequacies in county health facilities, intensifying calls for accountability.
Vice-Chairman Johnes Mwaruma described the governor’s absence as “unprecedented,” noting that governors who cannot attend hearings usually submit written explanations.
“The governor was seen in Parliament. It is unclear why he could not wait for his scheduled hearing,” Mwaruma said.
