
(DailyAnswer.org) – South Fulton Mayor Khalid Kamau faces accusations of misusing $26,000 in taxpayer funds, sparking controversy and calls for accountability.
At a Glance
- Mayor Khalid Kamau allegedly spent $26,000 on unauthorized expenses, including a trip to Ghana
- City council members and residents demand explanations for the expenses
- Bank records reveal unauthorized travel, food, and other purchases between October and December
- Mayor claims the criticism is politically motivated
- City council suspends international travel pending review of policies
Controversy Erupts Over Mayor’s Spending
The city of South Fulton, Georgia, finds itself embroiled in controversy as Mayor Khalid Kamau faces allegations of improperly using $26,000 in taxpayer funds. The accusations primarily revolve around unauthorized international travel and personal expenses, raising concerns about transparency and the ethical use of public funds in municipal governance.
According to bank records, nearly $26,000 was spent on unauthorized travel, food, and other expenses between October and December. The expenditures include multiple plane tickets totaling over $5,000, a $1,300 drone purchase, and several Amazon purchases, including one exceeding $1,800.
Residents and Officials Demand Answers
South Fulton residents, including Reshard Snellings, have expressed deep concern about the alleged misuse of taxpayer funds. Snellings voiced his apprehension, stating:
“I wanted to find out if taxpayers paid for this trip. We should not be asked to go without something so that our elected officials can travel all over the globe.”
City officials have also raised questions about the legitimacy of these expenses. Councilwoman Helen Z. Willis emphasized that the city has no business dealings in Africa, stating:
Mayor’s Response and Policy Violations
Mayor Kamau, known as “America’s first Black Lives Matter organizer elected to public office,” has dismissed the allegations, claiming they are part of a politically motivated smear campaign. He asserts:
However, the controversy extends beyond the trip to Africa. Mayor Kamau allegedly violated the city’s charter and policies by not obtaining required approvals for purchases. The city’s P-Card policy mandates written authorization for purchases, which the mayor reportedly did not secure.
Furthermore, he has failed to submit 112 outstanding receipts, violating the city policy that requires submission within 72 hours after a purchase.
City Council Takes Action
In response to the controversy, the South Fulton City Council has taken decisive action. They have suspended all international travel for 30 to 45 days while reviewing the relevant statutes and policies. This move aims to ensure proper oversight and prevent any further unauthorized expenditures.
The council is also investigating the purpose of the mayor’s trip and his spending patterns. This scrutiny comes in the wake of Kamau’s documented 20-day trip to Ghana, which he shared on social media, further fueling concerns among residents about the use of public funds for personal travel.
Implications for South Fulton
This controversy raises significant questions about fiscal responsibility and transparency in local government. As the investigation unfolds, South Fulton residents are left to grapple with concerns about how their tax dollars are being spent and whether proper checks and balances are in place to prevent misuse of public funds.
The situation also highlights the importance of clear policies and adherence to established procedures in municipal governance. As the city council reviews its statutes, the outcome of this controversy may lead to stricter oversight and more transparent processes for authorizing and documenting official expenses.
Copyright 2025, DailyAnswer.org