Summary:
Kajiado County Governor Joseph Ole Lenku is in hot water, facing a Ksh. 500,000 fine for his failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Roads, Infrastructure, and Transportation. The committee sought his presence regarding the Jamii Bora Kisaju housing scandal, centering on title deed access and unresolved land rates. Despite multiple summons and reminders, Governor Lenku’s non-compliance led to the substantial fine, temporarily suspended until November 30, 2023, granting a final chance for his appearance.
In a noteworthy turn of events, Kajiado County Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has incurred a hefty fine of Ksh. 500,000 for his non-attendance at the Senate Committee on Roads, Infrastructure, and Transportation. The summons were issued to address critical inquiries surrounding the Jamii Bora Kisaju housing scandal, a matter involving substantial sums of Kenyan Shillings.
Under the authority of section 19[1] of the parliamentary powers and privileges act, Kiambu Senator Karagu wa Thang’ua instructed Governor Joseph Ole Lenku to deposit the specified amount into the clerk of the Senate from his personal account. The fine is a consequence of the Governor’s lack of cooperation with the committee’s summons, compelling him to clarify matters related to the Jamii Bora Kisaju housing scandal.
The Roads, Infrastructure, and Transportation Committee, chaired by Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangw’a, imposed the fine, declaring, “Kajiado County Governor, Joseph Ole Lenku, is hereby fined Ksh. 500,000/- for failure to appear before this Committee after summons had been issued, the fine is suspended until Thursday 30th, November 2023 at 11 am.”
This penalty is rooted in Governor Joseph Ole Lenku’s persistent non-responsiveness to requests and reminders from the committee. Despite being summoned to a meeting on Monday, November 27, 2023, to address concerns regarding access to title deeds for properties in Jamii Bora Estate, Kisaju, Kajiado County, Governor Lenku failed to appear.
The committee had previously engaged with the Governor on Thursday, 4th July, 2023, concerning the petition on title deeds for properties in Jamii Bora Estate. It was disclosed that the Jamii Bora Charitable Trust had made a partial payment for arrears of land rates and rent, leaving outstanding arrears of Ksh. 1,050,484,990.
Following a submission from the County Government of Kajiado on Wednesday, 19th July 2023, which did not adequately address the committee’s concerns, the committee issued a reminder letter to Governor Lenku on 26th September 2023. With no comprehensive response received by the meeting on 31st October 2023, the committee resolved to summon the Governor for a meeting on 14th November 2023.
Despite Governor Joseph Ole Lenku’s absence at the November 14th meeting, the committee extended a final summons on 21st November 2023. Committee Vice Chairperson, Peris Tobiko, noted that the Governor was reportedly within the Parliament precincts but had been taken ill and rushed to the hospital.
Expressing disappointment, Committee Chairperson Sen. Karungo Thangwa emphasized that Governor Lenku’s disregard for the committee’s proceedings should not be tolerated. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna suggested a fine on two counts—failure to appear and failure to produce documents. The fine, however, was suspended until Thursday, 30th November 2023, giving Governor Joseph Ole Lenku a final opportunity to present himself before the committee.
FAQs:
Why was Governor Joseph Ole Lenku fined?
- Governor Joseph Ole Lenku was fined Ksh. 500,000 for failing to appear before the Senate Committee on Roads, Infrastructure, and Transportation to address issues related to the Jamii Bora Kisaju housing scandal.
What is the Jamii Bora Kisaju housing scandal about?
- The scandal involves concerns about access to title deeds for properties in Jamii Bora Estate, Kisaju, Kajiado County. The Committee sought information on land rates, rent, and the approval process for subdividing parcels of land.
Why was the fine suspended?
- The fine was suspended until November 30, 2023, to give Governor Lenku a last chance to appear before the committee and provide the required documents. If he fails to appear, the fine will be enforced.
What actions led to the fine?
- Governor Lenku failed to respond to multiple requests and reminders from the committee to address the issues raised in correspondences. Despite being summoned, he did not appear before the committee on November 27, 2023.
What happens if Governor Lenku fails to appear by November 30, 2023?
- If Governor Lenku fails to appear before the committee by the specified date, the suspended fine of Ksh. 500,000 will be enforced. The Inspector General will be required to arrest him and bring him before the committee.