Maasai Mara University VC clashes with MPs over unresolved audit queries as Parliament orders the university to return with key officials. [Courtesy, Meta]
The National Assembly Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education had to postpone a cross-examination for audit queries of Maasai Mara University for failing to avail the required officials, as previously directed.
The university's Vice Chancellor Prof Penninah Aloo-Obudho clashed with the committee members over the team she brought to respond to audit queries, as they questioned the motive of the VC sending the substantive finance officer on compulsory leave just two days before she meets with the committee.
Similarly, the committee, chaired by Luanda MP Dick Maungu, questioned why the procurement officer and legal officer were absent despite the committee having previously directed the institution to appear with technical officers capable of responding to audit queries.
The VC was to respond to audit queries covering financial years 2018/19 to 2024/25.
No sooner had the meeting commenced than it turned into back and forth between the MPs and the VC, even as legislators accused her of being hostile when asked about failing to accompany key officers.
Kiminini MP Maurice Kaikai Bissau affirmed that the committee has the mandate and is entitled to interrogate arising audit queries, even as he demanded that the VC explain why she did not attend the meeting without the substantive finance officer.