Esther Bulaya

The government has warned that any public servant who has been transferred to another working station while they are alleged to have embezzled public funds from their previous working station will be sent back to answer charges for the loss of the funds.

Answering a supplementary question by CCM Special Seats lawmaker Esther Bulaya, who had wanted government commitment on public servants who, after embezzling public funds in their district councils were being transferred to cover up their mismanagement, deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government) Aggrey Mwanri said already the government, through his office, had started sending back such servants.

“Public servants discovered to have been transferred to another district council or working station with allegation of embezzling funds must be sent back to their previous office to answer charges,” he stressed.

“But if there is a person who has been accused of embezzling funds, report them to the police because they are suspected thieves. Rep[ort them to the police who will then take them to court,” he added.
Regarding allegations that the government has been taking disciplinary measures against low-level public servants and leaving senior officials scot-free, Mwanri said that was not the case.

“I think we have shown how the government works. Recently we suspended and fired some district executive officers. Are these small fish? But if there is any person, including members of  Parliament, who knows someone involved in grand corruption but has not been disciplined, report them to our office for further measures to be taken,” said Mwanri.

Kasulu Urban MP Moses Machali again reminded the government about a doctor working in Kasulu district council whom he had reported for wrongdoing but the regional government and the local government ministry was yet to discipline.
Mwanri promised to work on the matter, saying there were many pending issues which the MP had registered in his office, but officials were working on them.

In the principal question Mary Chatanda, Special Seats – CCM, had quizzed the government over its silence on public servants who have been stealing public funds.

She requested the government to amend the law that gives such servants privileges and immunity so they could be prosecuted.
Mwanri said the government reviewed various laws when necessary in order to meet current national needs.