NAIROBI, Kenya – Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has criticized the recent call by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for a lifestyle audit of public servants and state officers, emphasizing that the real issue lies not with the laws or the constitution, but with the individuals in power.
In a recent statement on his X account, Senator Omtatah expressed his views in response to Murkomen’s proposal for a Lifestyle Audit Bill.
“There is no problem with the law, neither is there a problem with the constitution. The main problem we have in this country are the human beings who are not ready to implement the set rules,” Omtatah remarked.
Murkomen’s proposal comes in the wake of growing public concern over government wastage and the extravagant lifestyles of some public officials.
The Transport CS argued that a comprehensive lifestyle audit is necessary to address these concerns and ensure that state and public officers are living within their means.
“In line with the current national conversation and to address the concerns that state and public officers are living beyond their means, I propose that Parliament urgently introduces and passes the Lifestyle Audit Bill to provide the parameters for auditing state and public officers and to investigate their living standards to ascertain consistency with their lawful income. The Bill should, among other things, set the maximum cost of personal wear/outfits, cars, ” Murkomen stated.
Murkomen believes that this legislative initiative will create a structured approach to scrutinizing the wealth and spending habits of public officials, thereby promoting transparency and accountability.
The debate around lifestyle audits has intensified following public outcry over the visible wealth accumulation by government officials shortly after assuming office.
Lavish expenditures on luxury cars and designer outfits have drawn criticism from citizens who demand greater accountability from their leaders.
According to Senator Omtatah, the failure to adhere to current regulations is at the heart of the problem, rather than the absence of adequate legislative frameworks.
