NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that there are plans by the government to arrest Auditor General Nancy Gathungu over her work exposing questions surrounding the management of public resources.
Speaking during a political engagement, Gachagua claimed that the Auditor General had become a target because of audit reports that have raised concerns over government spending and accountability.
He accused the government of attempting to intimidate institutions mandated to safeguard public resources, warning that targeting the Auditor General would weaken constitutional checks and balances.
“They are now planning to arrest the Auditor General because she has exposed the looting that is happening in Kenya Kwanza,” Gachagua alleged.
The former Deputy President did not provide evidence to support the claim, and no government agency had publicly confirmed any plans to arrest the Auditor General.
The Office of the Auditor General is an independent constitutional office established under Article 229 of the Constitution of Kenya and is responsible for auditing public accounts and reporting on whether public resources have been used lawfully and effectively.
Nancy Gathungu has served as Auditor General since her appointment in July 2020.
Her office has continued to publish audit reports highlighting concerns in various government institutions, including questions on financial management, procurement and implementation of public programmes.
The Auditor General’s reports have previously triggered political debates, especially when they flag irregularities involving government projects and expenditure.
In one recent report, Gathungu raised concerns over aspects of the implementation of the Hustler Fund, including questions around loan recovery and compliance with lending limits.
Gachagua has emerged as one of the strongest critics of the Kenya Kwanza administration since his fallout with President William Ruto, repeatedly accusing the government of failing to address corruption concerns and economic challenges facing Kenyans.
The former Deputy President has also previously claimed that state agencies were being used against him, including allegations that authorities planned to arrest him.
The latest remarks are likely to intensify political debate around accountability, the independence of oversight institutions and the role of the Auditor General in scrutinising public expenditure.
