Irregular Purchase of Sh7 Million Fuel Guzzler Lands Kenya's Ambassador to France Judi Wakhungi in Trouble

The government has moved to recover Sh2.1 million from Kenya’s ambassador to France Prof. Judi Wakhungu.

The amount was irregularly used to pay for the former Cabinet Secretary's Sh7 million car during her tenure at the ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources.

In a report, Auditor-General Edward Ouko said the ministry paid Sh7 million to Toyota Kenya for the fuel guzzler and failed to withhold the 30 percent tax (Sh2.1 million) as required.

The Toyota Prado, which was for Wakhungu's personal use, was purchased contrary to a presidential circular issued on July 7th, 2011, Ouko further said.

“In the circumstances, the department spent Sh5 million irregularly and the amount has not been recovered,” Auditor- General Edward Ouko said.

Wakhungu's successor at the ministry Simon Chelugui has now written to Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma seeking help to recover the Sh2.1 million from her.

“In order to correct this anomaly, we request you to facilitate recovery of Sh2.1 million tax refund and remit the same to Kenya Revenue Authority and inform us accordingly,” CS Chelugui said in a letter dated August 15th.

“This matter has been queried by Auditor-General and is appearing in the Public Accounts Committee report for the financial year 2014/15 and 2015/16,” Chelugui adds in a letter to CS Juma.