Kasarani parliarmentary aspirant Benard Mabonga Waliuba….Photo/IP
By IP Reporter
NAIROBI, Kenya (IP)
Political activist and Kasarani parliamentary hopeful Benard Waliuba, popularly known as Mutu Kazi, has strongly condemned what he described as widespread mismanagement of public funds by county governments, calling for immediate intervention by state agencies.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Waliuba said recent headlines on alleged misuse of funds meant to improve livelihoods had exposed a deep betrayal of public trust, warning that such actions undermine the very foundation of devolution.
“Those entrusted with public resources must remember that devolution was meant to uplift wananchi, not enrich a few individuals,” he said. “What we are witnessing is a complete betrayal of that vision.”
Waliuba urged key investigative bodies, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), to act swiftly and decisively.
“It cannot be business as usual. These agencies must swing into action now,” he added.
He further called on President William Ruto to move with speed in safeguarding devolution, saying the system risks losing public confidence if accountability is not enforced.
Waliuba warned that he would mobilize citizens across affected counties to demand accountability from leaders accused of failing in their mandate.
“If you do not work for the people who elected you, then you have no business holding office,” he said. “We cannot have leaders living large while citizens struggle to survive.”
Mounting scrutiny on governors
Waliuba’s remarks come amid increasing national scrutiny over how counties are spending billions of shillings allocated under devolution.
Recent Senate proceedings have seen multiple governors grilled over questionable expenditures and stalled projects, with concerns that large sums of public funds have not translated into tangible development.
Lawmakers have also raised alarm over widespread corruption, warning that a significant portion of funds disbursed to counties since devolution began may have been lost through mismanagement and graft.
Oversight bodies have flagged imbalances in spending, with some counties accused of prioritizing recurrent expenditure over development, raising questions about whether public funds are being used effectively.
Civil society groups have also called for investigations into financial misconduct involving county officials, pointing to systemic weaknesses in accountability structures.
“Funds meant to transform lives”
Waliuba emphasized that misappropriated funds could have significantly improved the lives of ordinary Kenyans if properly utilized.
“These monies could get people off the streets and give them a decent beginning,” he said. “Instead, they are being diverted for personal gain.”
He said his awareness campaigns were already underway and warned that no leader would be spared from public scrutiny.
“This is a sorry state of affairs. Kenyans deserve better. Accountability is not optional,” he said.
