Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o has expressed concerns for her safety due to her efforts in exposing corruption within national and county governments.
Speaking to the Constitution Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC) on Tuesday, Nyakang’o recounted the challenges she faces in her role, including an alleged abduction last year that she believes was an attempt to intimidate her.
“Sometimes I feel unsafe, but the law has protected me. I’m here to carry out my duties under the law,” she stated, reflecting on her experiences.
Nyakang’o recalled an incident in December 2023 when she was arrested on fraud charges and accused of operating a Sacco without a license. The arrest, which many saw as an attempt to remove her from office, occurred in Nairobi’s Central Business District. Unknown individuals stopped her vehicle and demanded that she record a statement.
They then took her on a seven-hour journey to Mombasa, where she was detained by local DCI officers and brought before the Mombasa Law Court. She was later released on KES 500,000 cash bail.
“The fact that I hold a protected office was ignored. I was abducted to Mombasa, yes members, I was abducted, but I’m here in the office without fear or favour,” Nyakang’o told the committee.
Despite the ordeal, she remains committed to her duties. Nyakang’o emphasized that her position as Controller of Budget is meant to ensure accountability in the use of public funds, a role she is determined to uphold despite the personal risks.
In addition to safety concerns, Nyakang’o highlighted the funding challenges her office faces, noting that they receive significantly less financial support compared to other government offices. “The Auditor-General’s office receives nearly KES 9 billion, while we only get KES 700 million for the entire year, despite covering the whole country,” she pointed out.
