Devolution and Planning cabinet secretary Ms Anne Waiguru. PHOTO | FILE
A group of MPs has warned against politicising affairs of the National Youth Service (NYS), saying its projects should be sustained and extended to cover all 290 constituencies.
The 71 MPs from both Cord and Jubilee coalitions are from constituencies that have been implementing the NYS programme on pilot basis.
Led by Kitutu Chache MP Richard Onyonka, the MPs defended embattled Devolution secretary Anne Waiguru, saying her actions were in tandem with the law.
On Sunday, Cord leader Raila Odinga said Ms Waiguru should take personal responsibility for the theft of Sh791 million meant for the NYS. Ms Waiguru has asked Mr Odinga to apologise over the remark or face her in court.
This was after the CS released an investigation report confirming conspiracy to defraud within the NYS that saw 21 officers suspended.
“What Ms Waiguru did is lawful, so instead of politicising the matter, let those found culpable in the fraudulent dealings be answerable,” said Mr Onyonka.
He noted that NYS projects intended to improve economic status of the unemployed youth.
“We want to protect this programme jealously because of what it has done to our youth,” he said on Wednesday at a press conference in Parliament Buildings.
Runyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire said it was not proper to always call for Cabinet secretaries whose ministries are faced with corruption to step aside.
“Eventually we might not have any CS in office if we continue with this call,” she said.
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