•Allegations of Financial Mismanagement in SASDF Spark Political Tensions
Isiolo County MP Mumina Bonaya has raised the alarm over alleged financial mismanagement and a lack of transparency in the administration of the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund (SASDF).
In a formal request to the National Assembly, she is demanding a forensic audit by the Auditor General, citing public outcry over the alleged misuse of funds meant for sports development.
Bonaya has particularly questioned the allocation criteria used by the Kenya Academy of Sports, highlighting disparities in funding distribution across regions.
She has also flagged concerns over inflated budgets for sports gear, playing fields, and event organization, arguing that the allocated funds do not reflect the actual state of sports infrastructure and preparation quality.
As part of her oversight role, the legislator is demanding:
- A comprehensive breakdown of financial allocations over the past two years.
- Transparency in procurement processes, including details of tenders awarded.
- A list of companies contracted to supply sports kits and equipment.
In response, the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture acknowledged the concerns raised and requested three weeks to provide detailed responses to the queries.
Political Underpinnings: Allegations of a Personal Agenda?
While Bonaya’s demand for transparency has received support from sections of the public, some Isiolo residents remain skeptical, viewing her oversight move as politically motivated.
Critics argue that she is using her parliamentary role to undermine SASDF CEO Mr. Nuh Hajji, who is rumored to be interested in the Isiolo gubernatorial seat—a position currently held by Governor Guyo, an ally of Bonaya in Isiolo’s local politics.
Her critics suggest that Bonaya’s aggressive scrutiny of SASDF is not solely driven by public interest but rather a strategy to politically discredit Hajji, who is seen as a rising force in the county’s leadership.
Clash with President Ruto’s Appointees
The controversy surrounding Bonaya’s latest move comes shortly after her public fallout with key government figures.
During President William Ruto’s recent working tour of Northern Kenya, the MP was heckled while addressing a crowd in Garbatulla.
Reacting to the incident, she accused unnamed presidential appointees of orchestrating the embarrassment.
While she did not explicitly name anyone, political insiders believe she was referring to Rehema Jaldesa (President Ruto’s appointee as Gender Chairperson) and Nuh Hajji.
Jaldesa, whom Bonaya unseated in the last general election, is said to be regaining political influence as Ruto’s key point-person in the region, setting the stage for a bitter political rivalry ahead of the next elections.
Alternative Oversight Priorities: Security Concerns in Isiolo
Critics of Hon. Bonaya argue that while her scrutiny of the SASDF is valid, there are more pressing issues in Isiolo that demand her oversight.
Some suggest that she should prioritize human rights concerns, particularly the alleged violations by Kenyan security forces during Operation Ondoa Jangili, an intense military campaign against banditry in the region.
There have been growing accusations that security forces have engaged in extrajudicial actions, with some claiming that these incidents amount to crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing.
Opponents argue that as an elected representative, Bonaya should focus on these critical human rights issues, rather than engaging in what they perceive as a politically motivated battle over sports funds.
The Road Ahead: A Political Showdown?
With the audit demand now before Parliament and the political tensions in Isiolo escalating, it remains to be seen how this dispute will unfold.
Will Hon. Bonaya’s oversight push expose deep-rooted corruption in SASDF, or will it be dismissed as a political witch-hunt against her rivals?
As the Departmental Committee prepares to respond to her queries, the political landscape in Isiolo remains tense, with rival factions gearing up for a potential showdown ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Whether this issue remains confined to sports funding or spirals into a broader political battle will depend on the coming weeks’ developments.
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