Wanga accuses Nyakang’o of overreach despite her expertise. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has strongly criticized Controller of Budget (CoB) Dr. Margaret Nyakang’o, accusing her of going beyond her constitutional mandate. Speaking during an interview with NTV on Thursday, Wanga acknowledged Nyakang’o’s competence but warned that her actions risk interfering with county operations.
“She’s a strong, competent woman,” Wanga noted. “However, her office is taking on tasks meant for the Auditor-General.”
Wanga explained that the CoB’s job is to oversee how budgets are implemented not to demand detailed expenditure proof. “Oversight means checking if the budget is being followed,” she said. “But asking for receipts and detailed documents is auditing, and that falls under the Auditor-General’s office.”
She added that counties are often asked to provide “audit-level documentation” when submitting funding requisitions. This, according to Wanga, delays service delivery and strains counties. “If you deny me funds because you claim I misused the last batch, how do I serve my people?” she asked.
Wanga insisted that the CoB’s role should focus on budget approvals and legal compliance at the start of the financial year. “When she flags issues midyear, it causes unnecessary conflict,” she said. “Give me the funds as per the approved budget. If I misuse them, let the Auditor-General flag it, and I’ll answer to the Senate.”
Her comments come amid rising tensions between counties and the CoB over delayed disbursements. The Council of Governors (CoG) recently vowed to petition Parliament to remove Nyakang’o. CoG Chairperson and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi accused her of creating barriers to funds access.
“She’s made county operations extremely difficult,” Abdullahi said. He pointed to long delays, especially in accessing bursary funds, due to excessive paperwork requirements.
