Kenya Insights

Tag: EACC

  • Peter Agoro Legal Battles Reveal How EACC Framed a Whistleblower to Protect Corrupt Elites

    Peter Agoro Legal Battles Reveal How EACC Framed a Whistleblower to Protect Corrupt Elites

    Civil society activist Peter Agoro has taken his legal war with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to a new level, accusing the agency of framing him after he refused a hefty bribe.

    Agoro, who chairs the Consortium of Civil Societies, has filed a constitutional petition against the EACC and Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) Chief Executive Officer James Mwaura, alleging an elaborate plot to silence him.

    He claims his arrest, detention, and public defamation were part of a wider scheme to punish him for exposing corruption within KICC. Agoro’s case has now drawn the attention of the High Court, which has issued fresh directions on how the matter will proceed.

    Peter Agoro Legal Battles Lay Bare EACC’s Dirty Tactics Against Anti-Corruption Activists
    Agoro’s determination to fight on highlights the growing tension between activists and public institutions accused of corruption. For many civil society leaders, his case is a reminder of the personal risks that come with exposing entrenched systems of impunity. [Photo: Courtesy]

    High Court Steps Into Peter Agoro Legal Battles

    On Thursday, September 25, 2025, the High Court stepped in to provide structure to Peter Agoro’s constitutional petition. Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued detailed directions after reviewing Agoro’s Notice of Motion dated September 22.

    The court ordered that the petition and all related applications be physically served within seven days, with proof of service filed thereafter. The respondents were also given seven days from the date of service to file their responses. Agoro was allowed to file a rejoinder within seven days after receiving those responses.

    The matter is now set for further directions on November 6, 2025. This next hearing could define whether Agoro’s pursuit of justice gains traction or gets entangled in legal technicalities.

    Agoro Reveals a Web of Corruption and Entrapment

    In his petition, Peter Agoro paints a disturbing picture of how his rights were violated during and after his arrest in September 2024. He accuses KICC CEO James Mwaura and certain senior EACC officials of orchestrating an entrapment scheme designed to discredit him.

    According to Agoro, his troubles began after he filed a whistleblower petition on September 11, 2024. The petition sought access to documents exposing alleged embezzlement of funds, procurement fraud, and abuse of office at KICC. Agoro says this move angered those benefiting from the alleged corruption.

    A few days later, on September 16, Mwaura allegedly invited Agoro to the Pan Africa Hotel, where he attempted to bribe him. Agoro claims Mwaura forced bundles of U.S. dollars into his handbag, an act that set up a staged arrest moments later.

    As Agoro resisted the alleged bribery, men who identified themselves as police officers reportedly stormed the venue. They photographed him with the bag of cash, confiscated his phones and documents, and took him to EACC headquarters. Later, he was detained overnight at Kilimani Police Station before being released on KSh 100,000 bail.

    Agoro says the ordeal was humiliating and calculated to portray him as corrupt when he was, in fact, fighting graft.

    Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Headquarters [Photo: Courtesy]

    EACC Faces Defamation Accusations from Agoro

    Following his arrest, EACC issued a public statement branding Agoro a member of an “extortion racket.” The agency also released photos of him in handcuffs, which were widely circulated in the media.

    Agoro argues that the statement and photos were deliberately designed to destroy his reputation while shielding the real perpetrators. He claims the EACC intentionally omitted any mention of KICC CEO Mwaura’s alleged role in the incident.

    To make matters worse, Agoro says the defamatory publication has remained online for over a year. The one-year limitation period for filing a defamation case has since lapsed, effectively barring him from seeking justice through that route.

    His petition now seeks a court order directing EACC to retract the defamatory statement and remove all related content from its platforms. He also wants the case against him dropped and his bail refunded.

    Agoro further seeks declarations that his constitutional rights—including equality, dignity, freedom, security, fair hearing, and access to information—were violated by the EACC and its officers.

    The Broader Fight Against Corruption and Retaliation

    Beyond his personal ordeal, Agoro insists that his persecution represents a wider problem facing anti-corruption activists in Kenya. He maintains that his only “crime” was exposing questionable deals at KICC, including allegations that a senior EACC official’s spouse benefited from irregular tenders.

    Over a year after his arrest, Agoro has not been formally charged with any offense. He believes this is proof that his case was politically motivated and intended to silence him. Meanwhile, the defamatory content remains accessible online, continuing to harm his professional image and credibility.

    Legal observers say the case will test the boundaries between legitimate anti-corruption investigations and the abuse of state power to suppress dissent.

    Agoro’s determination to fight on highlights the growing tension between activists and public institutions accused of corruption. For many civil society leaders, his case is a reminder of the personal risks that come with exposing entrenched systems of impunity.

    As the High Court prepares to issue further directions on November 6, 2025, all eyes are on whether justice will finally tilt in favor of the whistleblower—or whether the machinery of power will once again overpower a citizen’s fight for truth.

  • Uasin Gishu Tops List as EACC Releases Rankings of Kenya’s Most Corrupt Counties

    Uasin Gishu Tops List as EACC Releases Rankings of Kenya’s Most Corrupt Counties

    The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has unveiled a damning report that exposes the counties where citizens are most likely to encounter demands for bribes when seeking public services, with Uasin Gishu leading a troubling list of corruption hotspots across the country.

    The National Ethics and Corruption Survey 2024, released on Tuesday, paints a stark picture of corruption in Kenya’s devolved units, revealing that residents of Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Marsabit, and several other counties face the highest likelihood of being asked for bribes to access basic government services.

    According to the comprehensive study, which interviewed 5,960 households across all 47 counties between November and December 2024, Elgeyo Marakwet, Marsabit, and Wajir emerged as the counties with the most pervasive bribery culture.

    In these three counties, a staggering 100 percent of respondents who sought services from devolved units reported having to pay bribes.

    The financial burden of corruption weighs heaviest on residents of Uasin Gishu, where citizens pay an average of Sh25,873 in bribes—the highest amount recorded in the survey.

    Baringo follows with an average of Sh16,156, while Embu residents part with Sh12,878 on average when forced to pay bribes for services.

    The survey reveals that corruption has become so entrenched in some counties that paying bribes significantly increases one’s chances of receiving services.

    In Kakamega, Baringo, and Meru counties, those who paid bribes were 1.37 times and 1.07 times more likely to receive the services they sought compared to those who refused to pay.

    County land survey and housing services emerged as the most corruption-prone public services, followed closely by county inspectorate services and interactions with county executives.

    The report highlighted a particularly alarming finding regarding employment opportunities within county governments, where job seekers reportedly pay an average bribe of Sh243,651 to secure positions with county executives.

    In contrast, the survey identified a group of counties where citizens face significantly lower risks of corruption.

    Nakuru, Makueni, Kajiado, Narok, Siaya, Kisumu, Trans Nzoia, Nyeri, Bungoma, Lamu, and Nyandarua topped the list of least corrupt counties, offering hope that ethical governance is possible within Kenya’s devolved system.

    The research uncovered troubling insights into why corruption persists.

    Most respondents—43 percent—reported paying bribes simply because they were demanded, while 23.3 percent said it was the only way to access services.

    Another 18 percent paid to avoid delays in service delivery.

    Perhaps most concerning is the culture of silence surrounding corruption.

    The survey found that 92 percent of those who experienced bribery incidents never reported them to any authority, with only 2.8 percent taking the step to formally complain.

    This silence perpetuates the cycle of corruption by allowing corrupt officials to operate without consequence.

    Integrity Centre in Nairobi which houses the headquarters of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
    Integrity Centre in Nairobi which houses the headquarters of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.

    The EACC’s findings extend beyond individual transactions to reveal systemic issues within county governance structures.

    County Public Service Boards were specifically flagged as being prone to bribery, while entities like Nanyuki Water and Sewerage Company were cited as examples where corruption in public institutions is particularly evident.

    Public confidence in the fight against corruption remains mixed, according to the survey.

    While religious organizations enjoyed the highest confidence ratings at 39.7 percent, followed by private broadcasting stations at 38.8 percent, political leaders fared poorly.

    Members of County Assembly and Governors recorded confidence levels of just 46.6 percent and 45.1 percent respectively in their commitment to fighting corruption.

    The report also revealed widespread dissatisfaction with governance standards, with more than 60 percent of respondents expressing disappointment with integrity, transparency, and accountability in public service delivery at the county level.

    These findings come at a critical time as Kenya continues to grapple with the challenges of devolution, which was introduced to bring services closer to citizens and improve accountability.

    The survey suggests that while devolution has succeeded in devolving services, it has also, in many cases, devolved corruption to the county level.

    The EACC’s comprehensive study, which employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods including Computer Assisted Personal Interviews, represents one of the most thorough examinations of corruption trends in Kenya’s devolved governance system since counties were established over a decade ago.

    As Kenya’s counties prepare for the next electoral cycle, these findings provide crucial data for voters, civil society organizations, and development partners working to strengthen governance and accountability at the grassroots level.

    The challenge now lies in translating these revelations into concrete actions that can restore public trust and ensure that devolution delivers on its promise of bringing ethical, efficient governance closer to the people.

  • Ruto’s New Anti-Corruption Law Empowers EACC to Seize Unexplained Wealth from Public Officials

    Ruto’s New Anti-Corruption Law Empowers EACC to Seize Unexplained Wealth from Public Officials

    President William Ruto has signed into law sweeping anti-corruption legislation that significantly strengthens the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission’s powers to pursue unexplained wealth among public servants across all arms of government.

    The Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, which received presidential assent at State House on Wednesday, consolidates all conflict of interest laws while repealing the Public Officer Ethics Act, creating what officials describe as a game-changing framework in Kenya’s fight against corruption.

    Under the new legislation, the EACC now has unprecedented authority to institute forfeiture proceedings against public officers who cannot adequately explain the source of their assets. This marks a significant departure from previous laws that limited such powers and excluded senior officials in the judiciary and legislature from comprehensive wealth scrutiny.

    The law mandates that all state and public officers, including previously exempt positions such as the Chief Justice, Cabinet members, and Members of County Assemblies, must file biennial declarations detailing their income, assets, and liabilities, extending these requirements to their spouses and dependents.

    “We are making it much more difficult for people to take advantage of the offices they occupy,” President Ruto declared during the signing ceremony, emphasizing that the EACC now possesses the necessary tools to protect Kenya’s public resources and hold every officer accountable.

    The legislation introduces stringent prohibitions against public officers awarding contracts to entities they have connections with, accepting gifts that could influence their decisions, or engaging in secondary employment that might compromise their objectivity. Violation of these provisions constitutes an offense under the new law.

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki highlighted that the law closes loopholes that corrupt officials have exploited to steal from public coffers, making it considerably more difficult for them to use proxies to advance corruption schemes.

    A notable feature of the new framework is the establishment of a 90-day deadline for conflict-of-interest investigations, preventing concurrent probes by different authorities and providing clear structures for citizens to lodge complaints against public officials.

    The EACC’s enhanced mandate extends beyond the executive branch, encompassing all three arms of government in wealth declaration oversight. This comprehensive approach represents the most significant expansion of anti-corruption enforcement powers in Kenya’s recent history.

    The law’s passage followed a complex legislative journey involving multiple rounds of consideration and mediation between the National Assembly and the Senate, with final approval achieved after accommodating presidential concerns through amendments passed in June and July 2025.

    As Kenya grapples with persistent corruption challenges, this legislation signals the government’s commitment to institutional accountability and transparent governance, potentially serving as a deterrent to public officials who might consider exploiting their positions for personal gain.

    The new law takes effect immediately, setting the stage for intensified scrutiny of public wealth accumulation and marking what President Ruto described as “a very consequential moment in Kenya.“

  • Oh Not Again! Kericho Governor Erick Mutai Caught Up in Another Sh80 Million Scandal

    Oh Not Again! Kericho Governor Erick Mutai Caught Up in Another Sh80 Million Scandal

    Deputy Governor turns whistleblower as county faces fresh corruption allegations just months after surviving impeachment

    Kericho County is once again thrust into the corruption spotlight, with Governor Erick Mutai facing explosive allegations of orchestrating fictitious payments worth Sh80 million.

    This time, the bombshell comes from within his own administration, as Deputy Governor Fred Kirui has emerged as the chief whistleblower.

    The scandal, which has sent shockwaves through the tea-rich county, involves alleged phantom payments to at least 28 companies for goods and services that were reportedly never delivered.

    The revelation is particularly damaging for Mutai, who narrowly survived impeachment proceedings in October 2024, only to find himself embroiled in fresh corruption allegations barely three months later.

    Questionable transactions

    According to Kirui’s explosive revelations, the county disbursed millions between October 2024 and April 2025 for questionable procurements including catering services, office supplies, furniture, staff uniforms, computers, and vehicle maintenance.

    The transactions appear carefully orchestrated to avoid detection, with most companies receiving amounts just below Sh3 million – a threshold that would trigger additional scrutiny.

    The most telling example occurred on March 10, 2025, when Sh6 million was withdrawn from a retention account and distributed among several companies.

    Five firms allegedly supplied agricultural products including soya, maize, sunflower, and cotton, each billing amounts suspiciously close to the Sh3 million threshold.

    “There is no political malice here.

    This is about protecting public funds and upholding transparency,” Kirui insisted, dismissing suggestions that his revelations are motivated by his well-documented clashes with Governor Mutai.

    The Sh80 million at the center of this scandal represents more than just numbers on audit reports.

    Critics have calculated that this sum could have funded full tuition for 355 students in national schools from Form One to Form Four, or constructed three kilometers of rural road infrastructure – resources desperately needed in a county where development has lagged despite its agricultural wealth.

    One company alone was paid Sh3.55 million for general office supplies, while another received Sh1.85 million for tents, chairs, and a public address system.

    These amounts raise serious questions about value for money and proper procurement procedures.

    Governor under siege

    Dr Eric Mutai, governor of Kericho, and his deputy, Eng Fred Kirui In the past.
    Dr Eric Mutai, governor of Kericho, and his deputy, Eng Fred Kirui In the past.

    This latest scandal comes at a particularly vulnerable time for Mutai, who has been battling corruption allegations throughout his tenure. In October 2024, he narrowly survived impeachment proceedings in the Senate, which terminated the process after finding that the minimum threshold of 32 MCAs was not met at the County Assembly level.

    The impeachment motion had accused him of gross violation of the constitution, misappropriation of county finances, and abuse of office. While he survived that political storm, the current allegations present a more serious challenge as they come with potential criminal implications and involve anti-corruption agencies.

    Mutai’s response to the current crisis has been characteristically measured. “I do not condone corruption. I’ve warned my officers publicly and privately—they will carry their own cross if found guilty,” he stated, while maintaining that he will allow the County Assembly to execute its oversight role.

    Investigations continues

    The Kericho County Assembly has moved swiftly to address the allegations, forming an ad hoc committee led by Londiani Ward MCA Vincent Korir to investigate the claims.

    The committee has been given a tight deadline to conclude investigations and table its report by August 6, 2025.

    “Those who will be found culpable will be dealt with, and we will ensure that all the departments are interrogated along with the Office of the Controller of Budget and the contractors who have been named in the petition,” Korir warned.

    Deputy Speaker Cheruiyot Bett emphasized that accountability will extend from the highest office to junior officers if wrongdoing is established.

    The Assembly’s commitment to fast-tracking the probe reflects the gravity of the allegations and public pressure for swift action.

    Kirui has also escalated the matter beyond county level, writing to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, demanding immediate action.

    EACC’s track record in Kericho

    The involvement of EACC is particularly significant given the commission’s history with Kericho County.

    The anti-corruption agency has previously investigated various corruption allegations in the county, including recent raids on county offices in January 2025 over controversial tender awards.

    However, residents and elected officials have expressed concern about the commission’s apparent reluctance to take concrete action despite multiple investigations.

    This latest case presents EACC with an opportunity to demonstrate its effectiveness in tackling county-level corruption.

    Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has thrown his weight behind calls for accountability, urging the County Assembly to fast-track investigations.

    “I am calling on the County Assembly to fast-track the investigations into the claim of financial rip-off at the county executive and ensure those found to have been engaged in graft are held to account,” Cheruiyot stated.

    The political implications extend beyond Kericho, as county governments nationwide face increased scrutiny over financial management.

    This case could set important precedents for how corruption allegations are handled at the devolved level.

    As investigations unfold, several key questions remain unanswered.

    Will EACC finally take decisive action against county officials? Can Governor Mutai survive this latest scandal politically and legally? And will the County Assembly’s investigation lead to meaningful accountability or become another bureaucratic exercise?

    The next few weeks will be crucial as the August 6 deadline for the assembly committee’s report approaches. For the residents of Kericho County, who have witnessed repeated corruption scandals, this represents yet another test of whether their leaders can be held accountable for the stewardship of public resources.

    The scandal also highlights the critical role of whistleblowers in exposing corruption, even when they come from within the same administration. Deputy Governor Kirui’s decision to go public with these allegations, despite potential political costs, demonstrates the importance of institutional courage in the fight against corruption.

    As this story continues to unfold, one thing remains clear: the people of Kericho County deserve better leadership and accountability from their elected officials. The Sh80 million scandal may be the latest chapter in the county’s troubled governance story, but it need not be the final one.

  • EACC Strikes Back Recovers Ksh50 Million Kitale School Land from PTA Chair and Corrupt Govt Official

    EACC Strikes Back Recovers Ksh50 Million Kitale School Land from PTA Chair and Corrupt Govt Official

    In a major win against land grabbing and corruption, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has successfully recovered a prime parcel of public land worth Ksh50 million in Kitale that had been illegally seized by a former Parents Teachers Association (PTA) chairperson.

    The land, originally intended for educational purposes, had been fraudulently allocated in 1994 through collusion with a senior government official.

    It was later converted into a commercial hub, with private developments such as a petrol station, apartments, and a supermarket. A court has now ordered its return to the rightful owners—the school and the community.

    EACC Strikes Back Recovers Ksh50 Million Kitale School Land from PTA Chair and Corrupt Govt Official
    EACC said more cases of land grabbing are under investigation and warned public officials and their accomplices that no corrupt dealings will be allowed to stand—even decades later. [Photo: Courtesy]

    Kitale School Land Reclaimed in Landmark Anti-Corruption Victory

    The Kitale Environment and Lands Court issued strong preservation orders on July 9 to block any further dealings with the four-hectare (9.8-acre) parcel of land that rightfully belongs to a public school in Kitale.

    This decision followed a 2023 investigation by EACC that exposed the illegal acquisition of the land by a former PTA chair, who acted in collusion with a former Commissioner of Lands.

    According to EACC, the land had been set aside and registered for educational use. However, this designation was ignored in a corrupt land grab that saw the parcel quietly transferred into private hands and then developed for profit.

    Judge Christopher Nzili, who presided over the matter, issued five firm orders that put the land and its developments under strict judicial control.

    One of the key rulings included a directive that the former PTA chair and his associates immediately stop charging rent, subdividing, leasing, selling, or in any way interfering with the land or the businesses operating on it.

    “This is public land that was stolen from a school. The orders are meant to protect public interest and prevent further looting,” said the court.

    Private Commercial Empire Built on Public Land

    The stolen school land had been converted into a bustling commercial zone over the years. EACC investigations revealed that the land now holds a petrol station, supermarket, rental apartments, a car wash, and a warehouse—all built without the consent of the school or the Ministry of Education.

    Sources at the Integrity Centre said that all these developments were made by the former PTA official and his proxies after acquiring the land in a backdoor deal in 1994.

    The judge’s ruling revealed that not only was the land illegally acquired, but it was also developed without proper approvals, zoning changes, or public participation.

    In his ruling, Judge Nzili ordered that the Board of Management (BOM) of the school take over the management of the land by appointing a receiver within one month.

    The receiver will oversee the businesses and ensure that any income generated goes back to the school. Furthermore, the court directed that a joint interest-earning bank account be opened under the names of the school’s BOM and the former PTA chair.

    All rental and business income from the land must now be deposited into this account until the suit is concluded.

    EACC Applauds Milestone in Public Asset Recovery

    EACC hailed the ruling as a big step in restoring integrity in public land management. In a press statement, the commission said the ruling sends a strong message that corruption and land grabbing — even if it happened decades ago — will not go unpunished.

    “This ruling marks a significant milestone in public asset recovery, reinforcing EACC’s commitment to protecting public resources and upholding the integrity of public institutions,” the commission stated.

    The agency confirmed that the land’s current commercial developments are valued at over Ksh50 million, reflecting years of exploitation at the expense of students and the local community.

    Anti-corruption watchdogs praised the decision, urging EACC to expand such probes into other questionable land allocations involving schools and public institutions across Kenya. Activists have long called for a nationwide audit of school land, much of which has been grabbed or encroached upon over the years.

    EACC said more cases are under investigation and warned public officials and their accomplices that no corrupt dealings will be allowed to stand—even decades later.

    Conclusion

    The Kitale school land case shows how corruption can rob communities of essential infrastructure and services. But it also shows that justice, even delayed, can be served.

    EACC’s recovery of this land is a wake-up call to all corrupt officials and a victory for transparency, accountability, and public interest. The fight is far from over, but with rulings like this, Kenya takes one more step toward reclaiming stolen public assets.

  • DCI Goes After Natembeya’s Inner Circle in EACC Corruption Probe, Summons 3 MCAs and 9 County Officials

    DCI Goes After Natembeya’s Inner Circle in EACC Corruption Probe, Summons 3 MCAs and 9 County Officials

    The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has intensified its probe into the dramatic events surrounding the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) raid at Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya’s residence, summoning 12 key figures from his inner circle for questioning.

    In a significant escalation of the investigation, three Members of County Assembly known to be close allies of the embattled governor have been ordered to report to DCI offices in Kiminini on Monday, May 26, at 9:00 AM.

    The summoned MCAs are Deputy Speaker Obed Mwale Mahanga of Matisi Ward, Erick Wafula Mwangale of Hospital Ward, and Andrew Kutitila, who represents Sikhendu Ward.

    Alongside the legislators, nine senior county officials have also been summoned, including County Secretary Truphosa Amere, Governance Chief Officer Sammy Sichangi, and the governor’s Personal Assistant Emmanuel Wamalwa.

    Other officials called for questioning include Chief of Staff Dickson Wamocho, Director of Communications Felix Sialo, County Attorney Charles Wabwoba, Felix Musamali, Duncan Macheso, and Diana Wabwile.

    The summons stems from the chaotic events of May 19, when EACC officers conducting a lawful search at Natembeya’s Milimani residence faced violent obstruction from a crowd of supporters.

    Five EACC vehicles were vandalized and destroyed during the incident, leaving anti-corruption officers stranded and forcing them to use tear gas to disperse the crowd.

    In the official summons signed by Kiminini Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer Brendah Omwenga, the 12 individuals are being investigated for “obstructing persons without justification or lawful excuse” and “unlawful damage to public property” under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.

    The investigation has already yielded significant arrests, with police confirming that 19 people are now in custody in connection with the violent obstruction of the EACC raid.

    Vehicles destoyed by rowdy group which stormed Governor Natembeya’s home during EACC raid on Monday, May 19, 2025.
    Vehicles destoyed by rowdy group which stormed Governor Natembeya’s home during EACC raid on Monday, May 19, 2025.

    On Saturday, May 24, five more suspects were arrested, bringing the total number of those detained to 19, including three Trans Nzoia county enforcement officers.

    The original EACC raid was part of an ongoing investigation into alleged procurement irregularities, abuse of office, bribery, and fraudulent acquisition of public funds totaling KSh 1.4 billion within the Trans Nzoia County Government during the fiscal years 2022/2023 and 2024/2025.

    Following the raid, MCAs Kutitila and Wafula held a press conference where they characterized the operation as “a scheme to embarrass” Governor Natembeya and undermine his growing political influence.

    They pointed fingers at President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, pledging unwavering support for their governor.

    The DCI has indicated that some suspects wanted in connection with the vandalism have fled to Uganda via the Suam border, demonstrating the cross-border implications of the investigation.

    Governor Natembeya, who was questioned at the EACC Integrity Centre following the raid, was subsequently arraigned in court where he pleaded not guilty to multiple corruption charges.

    The summoning of the governor’s closest political allies marks a significant expansion of the investigation beyond the immediate vandalism incident, potentially exposing the broader network involved in the alleged corruption and obstruction of justice.

  • Revealed: How Besieged KNH CEO Kamuri Tried To Hide Stolen Hospital Cash In Secret Girlfriends Accounts

    Revealed: How Besieged KNH CEO Kamuri Tried To Hide Stolen Hospital Cash In Secret Girlfriends Accounts

    The walls are closing in on Dr. Evanson Kamuri, the embattled Chief Executive Officer of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), as explosive details emerge of a sophisticated scheme to stash ill-gotten wealth in the bank accounts of secret lovers and close associates.

    In a twist to an ongoing corruption saga, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC) have uncovered evidence suggesting that Kamuri, allegedly funneled stolen hospital funds into accounts held by unsuspecting or complicit confidantes, including a woman identified as Jacqueline Kavete Mbuli.

    The Mystery of the Sh4 Million ‘Stranger’ Account

    On Friday, April 4, 2025, High Court Judge Lucy Njuguna extended a preservation order freezing Sh4 million held in a Standard Chartered Bank account under Mbuli’s name for an additional six months.

    The funds, deposited in May 2024, are at the heart of a forfeiture suit pitting the EACC against Kamuri.

    In a bizarre turn of events, Mbuli has disowned the cash, claiming she has no knowledge of its origins or any connection to the KNH CEO.

    She told the court that upon noticing the unexpected deposit, she alerted the bank on May 24, 2024, requesting a reversal, but the bank declined.

    Kamuri, however, insists the money is legitimate—proceeds from his salary and private dermatology practice—and has fought to have the freeze lifted, arguing it has plunged him and his family into financial hardship.

    The EACC, undeterred, contends that the funds are part of a larger web of corruption, with investigations ongoing into whether they were siphoned from KNH through illicit means.

    Justice Njuguna ruled in favor of preserving the funds, stating, “There is absolute need to prevent the dissipation of assets under investigation… The preservation order will serve public interest.”

    But who is Jacqueline Kavete Mbuli, and how did Sh4 million land in her account?

    Sources close to the investigation hint at a deeper, more personal connection.

    Insiders tell Kenya Insights that Kamuri maintained a network of secret girlfriends, leveraging their accounts to obscure the trail of looted hospital funds.

    Mbuli’s swift disavowal raises questions: Was she an unwitting pawn, or a willing participant now distancing herself as the heat intensifies?

    A Pattern of Deception: Rose Njoroge and the Inner Circle

    The EACC’s probe has cast a wider net, ensnaring other alleged accomplices, including Rose Njoroge, KNH’s Director of Chain Management. Described by sources as Kamuri’s “office wife,” Njoroge is believed to be a key orchestrator in the procurement irregularities that have bled the hospital dry.

    The duo is accused of manipulating tenders worth Sh634.5 million, irregularly awarded to companies linked to Kamuri, such as Biomax Africa Ltd. for a medical oxygen generating plant and another for an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

    Whistleblowers within KNH paint a damning picture of Kamuri’s reign, alleging he exploited his authority to extract sexual favors from junior female staff in exchange for promotions and perks like international seminars.

    These favored subordinates, some speculate, may have been unwitting conduits for laundering cash, their loyalty bought with career advancement. As one source put it, “Kamuri ruled KNH like his personal fiefdom—money and power in one hand, women in the other.”

    The Frozen Fortune: Sh48.5 Million and Properties

    This isn’t Kamuri’s first brush with frozen assets.

    Nine months ago, on June 3, 2024, the High Court, under Justice Esther Maina, froze Sh48.5 million across seven bank accounts—Sh41 million at Housing Finance Company (HFC), Sh3.1 million at National Bank, and Sh4 million at Standard Chartered—alongside six parcels of land in Kirinyaga, Kajiado, and Nairobi.

    The EACC argued then, as now, that Kamuri’s wealth, estimated at Sh800 million, far exceeds his legitimate income, pointing to a “significant disproportion” indicative of graft.

    The June freeze followed Kamuri’s arrest on May 22, 2024, after EACC raids on his homes and offices uncovered evidence of a Sh634.5 million fraud scheme.

    Despite his claims of powerful protection—reportedly name-dropping Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua—Kamuri’s once-impenetrable shield has crumbled, leaving him exposed as investigations deepen.

    A Family in the Crosshairs

    Kamuri’s wife, too, finds herself ensnared in the fallout. Properties jointly held with her husband are under scrutiny, with the EACC poised to attach them if proven to be proceeds of crime.

    The CEO’s pleas of “extreme hardship” ring hollow against the backdrop of a hospital struggling to serve Kenya’s most vulnerable, its coffers allegedly plundered to fund his lavish lifestyle.

    The EACC, bolstered by the FRC’s anti-money laundering expertise, is unrelenting.

    Investigator Paul Mugwe has emphasized that the frozen funds will serve as critical exhibits should criminal charges be filed.

    Justice Njuguna acknowledged the toll of prolonged probes, noting they could “drain and depress” subjects, but stressed the balance between individual rights and public interest.

    “Should the money be transferred pending investigations, the exercise would be rendered academic,” she ruled.

    Meanwhile, a separate preservation order on a Stanbic Bank account holding Sh1.1 million was lifted, a small reprieve for Kamuri amid mounting pressure. Yet, with the EACC promising to issue notices demanding he explain his wealth, the noose tightens around the besieged CEO.

    A Hospital Betrayed

    As Kenyatta National Hospital grapples with this scandal, the human cost is stark. Patients languish in underfunded wards, a crisis worsened by the alleged looting of public resources meant to save lives. Kamuri’s fall from grace—once a celebrated dermatologist turned hospital chief—serves as a chilling reminder of how power can corrupt even the noblest institutions.

    For now, the secret girlfriends, the frozen millions, and the shadowy tenders tell a tale of greed unchecked.

    But as the EACC digs deeper, one question looms: How many more layers of this scandal remain buried, and who else will be dragged into the light?

  • Kenya Maritime Authority Official Arrested Over Sh40M Insurance Tender Fraud

    Kenya Maritime Authority Official Arrested Over Sh40M Insurance Tender Fraud

    The official was arrested in an operation which also targeted two insurance brokers believed to have participated in the insurance scam.

    EACC said the official was apprehended in Naivasha where he had attended training and escorted to EACC Integrity Centre Offices in Nairobi.

    Confirming the operation, EACC Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi revealed that Henry Mwasaru, the Assistant Director and Head of Human Resources and Administration at the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) is accused of being involved in the award of a medical insurance tender in contravention of the procurement law and regulations.

    Mwasaru was taken into custody on Tuesday during a meticulously coordinated operation.

    The crackdown also targeted two insurance brokers suspected of facilitating the fraudulent scheme. Investigators allege that Mwasaru collaborated with Bevaline Lundu, KMA’s Head of Supply Chain Management, to manipulate the tender process and unlawfully award the contract to a favoured insurance agency in violation of procurement laws.

    After the search operation in their respective residential premises and homes, the three were taken to EACC Offices in Nairobi and Mombasa were they were interviewed and recorded statements.

    They were later released pending finalisation of the probe.

    EACC said the operation, which was pursuant to court orders, yielded valuable evidentiary material that will support the ongoing investigations.

    Investigations commenced after the Commission, through its Lower Coast Regional Office in Mombasa, received a complaint on September 30, 2024, regarding an awarded insurance tender.

    The Commission is intensifying its focus on tenders for staff medical insurance in public institutions, which are increasingly believed to be the channel used as a conduit for embezzlement of public funds.

    “The outcome of the ongoing investigation will inform the next course of action, which may include prosecution and recovery of any public funds fraudulently paid from public coffers,” Ngumbi said.

  • Governor Stephen Sang Caught in Nandi Payroll Scandal

    Governor Stephen Sang Caught in Nandi Payroll Scandal

    Governor Stephen Sang of Nandi County faces serious allegations involving illegal employment of unqualified individuals, including his relatives and close allies.

    Investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have exposed a pattern of nepotism and corruption in county hiring practices.

    For two weeks, the Nandi County headquarters have been declared a crime scene, with investigators seizing critical documents and summoning staff to uncover the extent of the corruption.

    Governor Stephen Sang Caught in Nandi Payroll Scandal

     

    Governor Stephen Sang Relatives and Close Allies on the Payroll

    The EACC’s investigations revealed that five individuals close to Governor Sang were improperly hired for county positions.

    These individuals include Hottensia Sang, Patrick Kipkoech, Hillary Sang, Kipkoech Joash, and Emily Sang, all of whom are related to the governor. Notably, Hillary and Hottensia are the governor’s siblings.

    Despite residing in Ireland, Hottensia has continued to receive a salary from Nandi County as an assistant director in education.

    Similarly, Hillary took early retirement from the Kenya Defence Forces to join the county’s payroll after his brother became governor. However, in 2023, he moved to Uasin Gishu County Assembly, seemingly to avoid further public scrutiny.

    Other individuals under investigation include Patrick Kipkoech, who has been on the payroll since 2017. He is currently working abroad as a porter in the UK but still receives payments from the county. The situation highlights a deep level of mismanagement and misuse of public funds.

    Ghost Workers and Political Cronies

    EACC also uncovered that many other individuals connected to Governor Sang are drawing salaries without performing any actual work.

    These ghost workers include cleaning supervisors with minimal qualifications, whose main job is to defend the governor and attack his critics.

    The officials in question, including Solomon Tarus, Joel Kogo, Kennedy Chirchir, and Elphas Kisorio (popularly known as Mashabik), were hired under questionable circumstances and wield significant influence in the county’s operations.

    Further investigations are focused on individuals involved in political campaigning and praise-singing for the governor.

    One such figure is Joshua Limo Kendagor, who composed campaign songs for Sang’s re-election and was rewarded with a top position in the county’s education department. Despite the lack of qualifications, he continues to hold a key role in the administration.

    The investigation also points to the acting CEO of the county’s Public Service Board, Nancy Jeruto, who was promoted five times within three years without proper documentation.

    Other officials like Godfrey Kipchirchir (communications), Chebii Faith, and Sammy Kiprono are also on the EACC’s radar.

    Systemic Corruption and Nepotism

    The investigations revealed a systematic pattern of hiring relatives, friends, and political allies. One example involves former Public Service Board (PSB) chairman Ezekiel Chemwor, who is accused of hiring multiple family members without following due process.

    His wife, brother, sisters, and even a housemaid were placed on the county payroll with inflated salaries.

    Despite having no assigned duties, they continue to receive payments, contributing to a ballooning wage bill that has negatively affected Nandi County’s development.

    David Maiyo, a former PSB secretary, is also implicated in hiring ineligible individuals, further entrenching corruption within the county’s payroll system.

    Nandi County Assembly Forms Investigative Committee

    Faced with mounting public anger over wasteful spending and a bloated payroll, the Nandi County Assembly has formed an ad-hoc committee to investigate the situation.

    Chaired by Kapsabet MCA Benjamin Matata, the committee is tasked with investigating financial irregularities, uncovering non-existent development projects, and recommending appropriate actions.

    The committee’s key objectives include identifying violations of the constitution, probing how tenders were awarded, and finding ways to curb the county’s growing wage bill.

    Several other MCAs, including Sarah Rubetty Nutwol, Julius Ketter, and Isaac Maina Shangu, are part of this investigative effort.

    Also, the county faces challenges from unpaid bills and incomplete projects. The committee’s findings are expected to lift the lid on widespread corruption and mismanagement, offering a potential way forward for the embattled county.

    Consequences for Nandi County

    The irregular employment of unqualified individuals, combined with ghost workers and inflated salaries, has placed Nandi County in a precarious financial situation. Public resources have been misused, and ongoing projects have stalled due to the bloated payroll.

    Governor Sang’s administration is under immense pressure to account for the corruption and clean up the county’s employment system. With the EACC and DCI actively investigating, the future of Nandi County’s leadership remains uncertain.

    The scandal serves as a stark reminder of how corruption and nepotism can cripple a county’s development and erode public trust.

    Nandi residents, already frustrated by the lack of progress, await the outcome of these investigations and hope for much-needed reforms.

  • 12 Lands Ministry Registrars Exposed in Major EACC Corruption Probe

    12 Lands Ministry Registrars Exposed in Major EACC Corruption Probe

    Corruption within Kenya’s Ministry of Lands has reached alarming levels, with 41 land registrars now under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

    Among the accused are Samuel Langat, a notorious officer at the Survey of Kenya, and several others linked to dubious land deals.

    Allegations include double allocations, tax evasion, and the unauthorized allocation of private land.

    This article uncovers the faces behind the faceless cartel terrorizing the Ministry of Lands and highlights the urgent need for reform to protect land ownership in Kenya.

     

    The 12 Ministry of Lands Registrars Under EACC Radar

    In a shocking revelation, 41 land registrars at the Ministry of Lands are now under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

    Among them, a notorious figure named Samuel Langat, an officer based at the Survey of Kenya, stands out.

    This investigation uncovers a web of corruption involving land officials who engage in dubious deals that rob Kenyans of their rightful land.

    The EACC has identified these registrars for various illegal activities, including double allocations of land, facilitating tax evasion through stamp duty manipulation, and allocating private land belonging to individuals.

    Authorities have linked these registrars to the accumulation of unexplained wealth, raising serious questions about their integrity and accountability.

    The Corruption Network

    Several names have surfaced in the EACC probe, painting a grim picture of corruption within the Ministry. Notable among them are:

    • Suzzane Vusha (Nairobi)
    • Francis Kariuki (Eldoret)
    • Nicholas Mochage (Nairobi)
    • Steve Mokaya (Kwale)
    • Charles Ngetich (Nairobi)
    • Monocah Bor (Bomet)
    • Kumuyu Wang’ombe (Nairobi)
    • Erick Nyamu (Nakuru)
    • Sheila Mwai (Eldoret)
    • Felix Nyakundi (Thika)

    Authorities have implicated Samuel Langat from the Survey of Kenya as well. They accuse these individuals of being part of a corrupt cartel that manipulates the land allocation process for personal gain.

    12 Lands Ministry Registrars and the Cartel in Control

    A disturbing trend has emerged where a significant number of land registrars in Kenya’s 47 counties are from the Kisiis and Kikuyus communities.

    This demographic concentration raises eyebrows, especially against the backdrop of the Ministry of Lands blaming “corrupt cartels” for the theft of 367 title deeds.

    In a gazette notification dated September 26, 2024, the State Printer revealed the alarming theft of 367 title deeds, which remain untraceable.

    This revelation triggered panic among thousands of Kenyans, who rushed to verify their land documents for any discrepancies.

    The government quickly denied the allegations, stating that no title deeds had been stolen from the government printer.

    Instead, the Ministry clarified that the stolen items were the security papers used for printing the title deeds. Authorities have already arrested one officer at the government printer in connection with the theft.

    The Ministry’s Defense

    The Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development issued a statement reassuring the public that the stolen materials were merely printing papers and not the title deeds themselves.

    These papers are essential for the secure production of land documents, containing security features only found at the government printer.

    “We would like to assure Kenyans that what was stolen are not title deeds, but the papers used for printing titles,” the Ministry stated.

    They emphasized that these papers become title deeds only after being filled with ownership details and stamped by the registrar, following all necessary procedures.

    The Ministry highlighted that the thieves intended to use the stolen papers to produce counterfeit titles, aiming to defraud unsuspecting individuals of their hard-earned money.

    This situation underscores the urgent need for the Ministry to tighten its mechanisms against land fraud and work closely with security agencies to combat the corrupt practices that have plagued the sector.

    Combatting Corruption

    In light of these troubling developments, the Ministry of Lands has ramped up its anti-corruption efforts. They have pledged to enhance their systems for detecting and preventing land fraud.

    By collaborating with security agencies, they aim to thwart the tactics that corrupt officials and cartels have traditionally employed.

    These proactive measures are crucial in restoring confidence in the Ministry’s operations and safeguarding Kenyans’ rights to their land.

    Wrapping Up

    The revelations about the Ministry of Lands registrars under EACC investigation expose a deep-rooted culture of corruption that has undermined land ownership in Kenya.

    As the public watches closely, the actions taken against these corrupt officials will be a litmus test for the government’s commitment to transparency and justice.

    The fight against land fraud must continue with renewed vigor. It is vital for Kenyans to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to land transactions.

    Only through collective efforts can we dismantle the faceless cartel terrorizing the Ministry of Lands and restore integrity to land management in Kenya.

  • Cyprine Omogi: Training Institutions & Building a Corruption-Free Society

    Cyprine Omogi: Training Institutions & Building a Corruption-Free Society

    Training institutions play a vital role in equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to combat corruption effectively.

    Corruption poses a significant threat to the functioning of both public and private sectors, and comprehensive training is essential to raise awareness, prevent corrupt practices, and foster a culture of integrity.

    By providing education on the nature of corruption, legal frameworks, ethical standards, and strategies for prevention, training institutions empower personnel to make informed decisions and contribute to a corruption-free society.

    Cyprine Omogi
    Courtesy

    Cyprine Omogi: Understanding Corruption and its Implications

    Corruption, as defined by the World Bank, refers to the abuse of power for personal gain or the benefit of a particular group.

    It manifests in various forms such as extortive, transactive, investive, and collusive corruption, affecting different sectors within an organization.

    Training on corruption helps individuals grasp the nuances of these corrupt practices, enabling them to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.

    Promoting Ethical Behavior and Integrity

    The integrity of personnel is of paramount importance in preventing corruption. As renowned businessman Warren Buffet suggests, integrity is a critical trait to look for when employing individuals.

    Training institutions instill a strong sense of ethical behavior, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal desires with organizational interests.

    By understanding the Leadership and Integrity Act 2012, code of conduct and ethics, and other relevant laws and policies, individuals learn to navigate conflicts of interest, adhere to gift thresholds, and maintain the highest standards of professionalism.

    Preventing Corruption and Ensuring Efficiency

    Corruption has far-reaching consequences, affecting social, economic, and political aspects of society. It thrives when individuals lack proper training or succumb to greed.

    Effective training equips personnel with tools and strategies to prevent corruption, ensure the efficient utilization of resources, promote creativity and innovativeness, and improve overall organizational performance.

    By fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, training institutions contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of public and private sector organizations.

    Cyprine Omogi
    Image: AACI

    Cyprine Omogi: The Role of Training Institutions

    Training institutions, such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission’s Directorate of Preventive Services Education Department, play a crucial role in combating corruption in both the public and private sectors.

    Through their programs, they provide comprehensive training to individuals, enhancing their understanding of corruption, its consequences, and the legal framework in place to prevent it.

    By targeting both new recruits and experienced personnel, these institutions ensure that organizations continue to operate efficiently and effectively, even after the retirement of key leaders.

    This article reflects the opinions of Cyprine Omogi, the Education Officer at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission in Kenya. Omogi is known for being a strong advocate for transparency and the establishment of a society free from corruption.

     

  • Omogi: Why are Kenyan voters blind on legacies during elections?

    Omogi: Why are Kenyan voters blind on legacies during elections?

    August 9 general elections are drawing closer and all Kenyan politicians and new entrants seeking elective positions are all out with well-oiled propaganda machines to sell fake ideas to the voters.

    Leaders who have been occupying offices for the past five years or more are lining up for re-election without any track records to show. Others who are retiring after the expiry of their tenure are also seeking alternative elective positions to keep enjoying privileges which come with these plum positions.

    Another bunch with their posters all over is individuals who have resigned from senior government positions where they have looted enough to buy their way into political positions.

    It is the practice in Kenyan politics which is laced with high voltage corruption and use of money to bribe voters to ascend to political positions which have become safe havens for corrupt individuals.

    Not many aspirants rely on proven track records or legacies to gain voters’ approval for an elective position. In fact aspirants with legacies, integrity or track records which speak volumes are most likely to be rejected at the ballot than corrupt leaders who can easily buy their way by bribing voters to sail through.

    A perfect scenerio is the case of a former MP for Kasipul-Kabondo Constituency who was the best performing law maker in the Luo Nyanza region for the two terms he served his constituents.

    The man built roads, dug bore-holes and water pumps, improved healthcare facilities, equipped schools with buses, enrolled students from poor backgrounds in schools and initiated a program which took hundreds to driving schools every year.

    He also rehabilitated semi-permanent structures in 240 schools to permanent buildings, equipped classrooms with desks and bought some 28 buses for local schools by end of his second term.

    In fact he was feted as the best performing MP who built the highest number of schools with the CDF allocations but when he sought a higher office, he was played at the ballot.

    He offered his candidature for Homa Bay gubernatorial position in 2017 but was rigged out and accused of going against ODM party politics despite having a track record which mirrors how he would perform at the helm of the county government.

    ODM is the most popular party in Luo Nyanza but this performer was challenging the incumbent who was rigged in during party nominations and at the ballot where he ended as an independent candidate. He was accused accused of going against ODM leadership which preferred that the corrupt incumbent serves his second and final term.

    H.E Mwai Kibaki, the former Kenyan president left behind a rich legacy of expanded economy and infrustructure [p/courtesy]
    But the man is back again and he is eying the same position which will fall vacant when the incumbent’s term expires in August but the politics around his candidature right now is that he has been in the cold for five years and no longer has deep pockets to bribe the electorate or to properly oil his gubernatorial campaigns.

    People are being coerced to turn a blind eye on his legacy but to concentrate on his weak financial muscles and favor corrupt individuals who have shifted from elsewhere and are also eying the same seat.

    A former Nairobi governor is among the top aspirants lining up for the Homa Bay top seat despite their corruption records. A man who is facing numerous corruption charges including a case where he was accused of conspiring with Nyakach MP to defraud the Nairobi County Government Sh.58 million.

    In 2020, the High Court gave the Director of Public Proscution go ahead to admit as evidence, details of a bank account belonging to one of his close associates who served in the accounting docket.

    The associate was the head of accounting during this aspirant’s reign at Nairobi County and his bank details showed how Sh 237 million was moved from City Hall to a private individual’s account and then finally to his account.

    The two suspects also conspired with other members of the staff at City Hall to defraud Nairobi County of the said amount. But the tainted figure that the man is and his deep pockets are the ‘qualities’ he will rely on to succeed the current governor whose tenure has also been marked by massive corruption and looting of public funds.

    Even elsewhere downsouth, a leader who served as the deputy president but had been accussed of massive corruption by then president proved to be more appealing to the electorate who gave him the opportunity to ascend to the highest office after the sitting president was suspended by the ruling party.

    The then president was in fact accused of meddling in his succession politics by levling corruption allegations against his deputy, who was a potential succesor, to cut short his dreams of becoming a president. He was rebuked even by the electorate but once his deputy ascended to power, his administration became the most corrupt in South African history and he was kicked out presidency on the same grounds.

    He is still fighting corruption cases to date after being realsed from prison last September and placed on medocal parole. The corrupt ex-president was serving a 15-month sentence for contempt of court.

    The man became a president on zero legacies but for being on the headlines over corrption allegations. It’s almost the norm everywhere, leaders and aspirants with track records that speak volumes are not always lucky at the ballot.

    Majority of the electorate pay less attention to legacy leavers who are the true leaders who operate in a manner that transforms lives and build trust for a greater good.

    Closer home, former Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki is remembered for accomplishing something that set standards on the performance at the presidency, a decade since he left office but voters are still falling in the traps of mediocre politicians.

     

    Cyprine Omogi is a Kenyan Education Officer, she is also passionate about good governance and realization of a graft free society.

     

     

     

  • Kenya Seed on the spot over Sh145 million irregular tender to Syngenta

    Kenya Seed on the spot over Sh145 million irregular tender to Syngenta

    Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched investigations into procurement irregularities in Kenya Seed Company’s Sh145million tender to Syngenta East Africa Limited. EACC is targeting former Kenya Seed board members, former chairman Nathaniel Tum and members of the board of directors over questionable supply of seed treatment chemical to Syngenta East Africa Limited in 2019.

    EACC chief executive officer Twalib Mbarak wrote to the Kenya Seed company demanding clarifications on how the hefty amount was irregularly paid to Syngenta East Africa Limited.

    “Kindly furnish us with original documents in relation to the Tender No. KSC/T/STC/12/2018/2019 . . . the contract agreement for supply and delivery of insecticide for Kenya Seed maize treatment on direct procurement between Kenya Seed Company Ltd and Syngenta East Africa Limited,” the letter read in part.

    The commission’s detectives based at the North Rift regional office in Eldoret will interrogate Dr Tum, Abraham Koech, Peter Waweru, Nathan Anaswa,  Dr Johnson Irungu Waithaka, Wilkister Simiyu, Dr Winnie Macharia, Lawrance Njiru, Symon Cherogony,  and Richard Aiyabei.

    Kenya Seed has been rocked by boardroom wars and legal battles over management issues which pushed the Agriculture CS Peter Munya to appoint Francis Okwara as the new board chairperson and Alice Chesire, Gitonga Kamiti, Kipkorir arap Menjo, and Samuel Mecca to the board through a special gazette.

    Munya revoked the appointments of Dr Samson Chelule, Elsbeth Naeku Tolu and Muchohi Ruiru Gikonyo through the same notice but Tum and other officials challenged the appointments in court.

    Tum also convened an annual shareholder meeting with private shareholders in an attempt to appoint new directors, a chief executive and declare dividends for the past six years. He made the move despite being controversially removed as CEO in 2003 after he irregularly transferred ownership of Kenya Seed Company to the family of the late former President Daniel Moi. Moi-era directors had also staged a heated fight to gain control of the company from the government in March.

     

     

  • Court freezes accounts of corrupt Homa-Bay officials

    Court freezes accounts of corrupt Homa-Bay officials

    Corrupt workers of Homa-Bay county government have been frightened by the High Court’s decision to freeze bank accounts belonging to phony companies they used to siphon millions from county coffers through irregular contracts.  Hartland Enterprises Limited accounts  which is registered under James Mumali Oyuka and Mary Pauline Oduor had its accounts frozen for six months to allow the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives to carry out thorough investigations.

    The account held at the Cooperative Bank of Kenya which has some Sh13.5 million was frozen as the Assets Recovery Authority also moves to court to repossess all properties associated with Oyuka and Oduor including the ones that they registered under the names of their proxies.

    EACC said they have to preserve the money in the listed account for six months to avoid it  from being withdrawn, transferred, dissipated or disposed, a move that renders any application and any intended recovery suit invalid.

    The detectives uncovered how Hartland Enterprises has been fraudulently procuring contracts from Homa Bay County government as they cited a case in July 2019 when the firm entered into a contract with the county assembly for the construction of MCAs offices for Sh348 million. But drama ensued after it was found that land belonged to the national government and Hartland was still paid Sh26.9 million by the devolved unit even after contract was stopped.

    They further revealed that Oyuka and Oduor are employed at the county government of Homa-Bay where they work as Public Health Technician and Community Nurse respectively. Trail by the EACC shows that the duo received the money then withdrew some in cash, transferred some to personal accounts and handed some to senior officials like secretary Isaiah Ogwe and finance, economic planning boss Nicholas Koriko who head the dreaded cartel behind the theft.

    The detectives also revealed that they traced the huge amounts of money that went into Oyuka’s accounts from the county government which amounts to conflict of interest and abuse of office charges against Oyuka and Oduor.

     

  • Cartels change looting tact in Siaya

    Cartels change looting tact in Siaya

    The deeply rooted cartel that has been looting from the coffers of Siaya County since 2013 have diversified their tact from breaching procurement regulations, quoting hiked prices and use of proxy companies to stealing staff pension funds, National Social Security Fund and National Hospital Insurance Fund statutory deductions.

    The new theft was first exposed by Asembo West MCA Ambrose Akuno when LapFund demanded notes made public by as NHIF struggled to trace Sh1 billion that was deducted from the staff payments but not been remitted for a year now.

    MCA Akuno who spoke through a local FM station also revealed that the cartel is run by rogue chief executive committee members who have bought off corrupt MCAs to let them loot. Many MCAs including Akuno were paid some 150k bribe to conceal the Sh 600 million theft.

    The revelations which came barely three weeks since the Directorate of Criminal Investigations ordered the finance department to avail them the records of key accountants from the department who are suspended for stealing county funds has also exposed the rotten theft in Governor Cornell Rasanga’s administration.

    The looting is presided over by finance chief officer Dennis Nyonje who swindled Sh600 million through fake allowances to rogue staff members in their looting ring. The hefty allowances are deducted but never remitted just like a portion of the Sh600 million loot which was paid out as bogus allowances to corrupt staffers who were used to pass the money to the accountants for kickbacks.

    Most of the accountants them invested their kickbacks in tippers, bulldozers and excavators with the plan to out to road contractors who beg for tenders at the county offices. The investments that don’t much their small salaries has raised eyebrows over the source of the overnight wealth.

    Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi who is waiting for the endorsement by ODM leader Raila Odinga to go for the Siaya gubernatorial seat also added that corruption is rampant at the finance office. Opiyo who chairs public accounts committee at the national assembly also complained that one of the biggest beneficiaries of Covid-19 stolen billions wants to oust him in Ugunja.

    But Nyony’e scheme was exposed by a contractor whom he used and dumped not knowing he was playing a well connected dirty fellow who is working for Rasanga who throws him lucrative tenders for huge kickbacks. The man is part of the powerful cartel that is estimated to have looted close to Sh8 billion since the onset of devolved units in 2013.

     

  • DCI grills Kalonzo over 200-acre Yatta land

    DCI grills Kalonzo over 200-acre Yatta land

    Former vice president and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Wednesday appeared before the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Nairobi where he was grilled over allegations of grabbing 200-acre piece of land in Yatta.

    Kalonzo who accompanied by his lawyer James Orengo said he was summoned by the DCI to shed light on how he acquired the land in Yatta, Machakos county. The politician who had also been questioned by DCI land fraud team in January arrived at the DCI Headquarters along Kiambu Rd, Nairobi at 10.30 am said he was on a mission to clear his name after Deputy President Dr. William Ruto accused of grabbing the land belongs to the National Youth Service.

    “….just arrived at the Director of Criminal Investigations accompanied by my legal team to honour the summons ……I own the land legally, the claim by the Deputy President is outrageous and I challenge him to substantiate his allegations,” Kalonzo said.

    The Wiper leader who is eyeing presidency in the coming 2022 elections was blasted by DP Ruto who accused him of doing nothing to his people other than grabbing the prime plot in his rural home after decades of in government.

    But in his defense, Kalonzo trashed DP’s allegations as wild and desperate propaganda, describing himself as a person of “high moral and ethical standards” without stains of corruption.

    Kalonzo who worked with Ruto in Moi administration was the first to accuse the country’s second in command of corruption, citing a case where the DP was charged with grabbing land belonging to a businessman in his Rift Valley turf wher he lost the case and was ordered to return the land.

    The Wiper leaders who was also accompanied by his political allies including Makueni senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr and Makueni Mp Dan Maanzo challenged the DP to follow suit and present himself before the DCI for thorough scrutiny.

    “I have nothing to hide and I today challenge the authorities to open an investigation into this matter. I am today presenting myself for a thorough investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations as well as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.” Kalonzo said.

     

  • Waiguru fails to testify in Sh791 million NYS theft case

    Waiguru fails to testify in Sh791 million NYS theft case

    Kirinyanga Governor Anne Waiguru boycotted a court session where she was expected to testify against former PS Peter Mangiti and 23 other accomplices in the Sh791 million NYS theft.

    Waiguru was set to testify Thursday and Friday but the court was informed that she was unable to appear in court because she was attending to official engagements. The prosecution asked the court for an adjournment until September when the controversial governor will be available to testify.

    The defense team expressed opposition to the adjournment arguing that Waiguru was in court in May this year and she was well aware that her testimony was today but she deliberately skipped and informed the prosecution quite late so that they could not secure new witnesses.

    The court had dismissed Waiguru’s application to bar the media from covering her testimony in May when she claimed that she was apprehensive that some of her statements may be taken out of context and be misreported by the media.

    Though prosecution had 10 other witnesses that they could call, they chose to wait until September 1 after Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi allowed the adjournment. Andayi is scheduled for a transfer to Nyeri but said he will try to conclude the case.

    Former Devolution PS Peter Mangiti [p/courtesy]
    “In that regard, I can’t say I want to conclude this case before I move to Nyeri, otherwise I will have to leave the case at the point I have reached and proceed for transfer,” Andayi said.

    The Magistrate also noted that they have proceeded at a good pace despite the complexity of the case which has 26 accused persons and 16 lawyers as both the prosecution and the defense expressed their desire to have him to hear and conclude the matter before he proceeds on transfer.

    Governor Waiguru turned from a key suspect to a key witness in the Sh791 million National Youth Service (NYS) theft yet she was the Devolution Secretary when the millions were siphoned from the State agency.

    The scandal which forced her to resign in 2015 also implicated former senior government officials who are still facing charges including the former Devolution Permanent Secretary Dr Peter Mangiti, former NYS Director-General Nelson Githinji, ex-NYS finance director Samuel Wachenje and business people like Josephine Kabura and Ben Gethi.

     

  • How Bangled KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL PROCUREMENT OF INSURANCE SERVICES Bid Rigging Unfolded and How PPRA Is Protecting Jubilee Insurance In Coverup.

    How Bangled KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL PROCUREMENT OF INSURANCE SERVICES Bid Rigging Unfolded and How PPRA Is Protecting Jubilee Insurance In Coverup.

    More information from our source – the whistleblower continues to unfold the rot in the Procurement industry with the help of PPRA-PPRB the procurement authorities. The corrupt Jubilee Insurance Co / Jubilee Allianz General Insurance Co king of kickbacks colluding with the authorities to win tenders through rigging – birds of the same feathers flocking together.

    “BID RIGGING AND CORRUPTION IN KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL PROCUREMENT OF INSURANCE UNDERWRITING SERVICES – KNH/T/46/2021-2022

    Good morning,

    We plead for your keen attention on the matter referenced. KNH advertised for the above tender that closed on 8/6/2021. We will clearly outline how the whole scandal chronologically unfolded. All the information given here is the actual status on the ground and is verified and verifiable. We again state that we have and will continue to observe professionalism, ethics and objectivity throughout the matter.

    PRIOR TO ADVERTISEMENT

    KNH had running contracts with CIC Life Assurance Ltd for Group Life Cover. The same tender included other classes of general insurance which were awarded to other companies. The tender was advertised in 2019 and awarded with no challenges. Contracts were to run for two yertas: 201-2020 and 2020-2021, commencement date being April 2019 and end date March 2021. We have however established that, just before the end of the contracts, KNH extended the contracts by three months from March 2021 to June 2021. According to the Professional Opinion seen by us that was recommended to the CEO by the Head of Procurement for approval signed in March 2021, justification for the three months extension was so as to align the contract period with the financial year. KNH has several contracts for adverse services including security, cleaning, gardening services among others whose start and end dates are not aligned with the financial year shenanigan. How these insurance services contracts were the only one sensitive to the financial year period cannot be explained.

    After the extension, the journey of preparing for advertisement of the new tender began. Our investigations have revealed that the new items in question were introduced by people in the insurance industry who were involved in preparation of the tender document. Two underwriters and an agent who exposed the KNH staff without knowing convinced KNH to include the items as mandatory in the tender document. One tender document was prepared combining both Group Life business and the general business.

    Group Life business is where the turpitude and depravity is. Unknowingly, KNH was lured into adopting the scandalous criteria and blindly putting  the same in the tender document. The criteria demanded that the underwriter must have made 100Million profit for the last three years and Gross premium of 500M for the year 2020 as per IRA reports. When the IRA reports are analysed, only one company Jubilee Life Assurance Limited meets the two criteria for Life business. This was done intentionally so as to lock all other life business underwriters. See the analysis below:

    The figures are derived from the IRA reports as was required in the tender document.

    Insurance Co. 2020 2019 2018
    APA Life Assurance Company 115,843, 000 28,684, 000 (66,752, 000)
    ICEA Lion Life Assurance 774,360, 000 690,245, 000 600,295, 000
    Jubilee Insurance Company 1,197,880, 000 2,198,267, 000 1,408,505, 000
    Liberty Life Assurance Company 273,016, 000 478,613, 000 283,311, 000
    Sanlam Life Assurance 649,621, 000 – –
    Britam Life (2,207,207, 000) 4,213,789, 000 (960,370, 000)
    Old Mutual Life Assurance (346,154, 000) 175,825, 000 480,732, 000
    Pioneer Assurance Company (60,645, 000) 142,288, 000 (35,258, 000)
    UAP Life Assurance Company (532,751, 000) 219,708, 000 251,120, 000

     

    According to the above analysis, only three (3) Life underwriters will have made profits for the three years required and will pass criteria number 12. These are: Jubilee Insurance Company, Liberty Life Assurance Company and ICEA Lion Life Assurance. Criteria no. 13 for life underwriters required that the life underwriter should have gross premiums of Kshs. 500Million. Analysis of the three (3) underwriters who pass criteria no. 12 have the following Gross premiums indicated against their names:

    names:

    Insurance Co. Gross underwritten premiums
    Jubilee Insurance Company 704,881, 000
    Liberty Life Assurance Company 376,687,000
    ICEA Lion Life Assurance 326,242,000

     

    Going by the analysis given above, it’s worth noting that only Jubilee Insurance Company can meet the two mandatory requirements in the market. It’s in the same that we conclude that the tender document was customized to ONLY allow Jubilee Insurance Company and no other company whatsoever to qualify for the life business. This is despite the fact that Kenya has close to thirty (30) underwriters registered for Life Business.

    AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

    Several insurance companies had noticed the presence of the malicious criteria in the tender document. The companies went ahead and made enquiries requesting for revision of the mandatory requirement that formed the preliminary evaluation criteria. The companies include: Britam, Liberty, Metropolitan Canon, Kenindia and Sanlam. KNH ignored all the queries and concerns raised and never responded to any of them. They were quickly printed by the office of the Director Supply Chain Management and deleted from the email, probably assuming that the same will be deleted from the senders’ emails. Other stakeholders including agents also complained of the criteria. No response was given at all but rather promised to deal with the consequences irrespectively. Reasons why the same were included in the tender document have never been given upto now. There’s no basis at all for the profitability criteria and neither the procurement laws nor insurance nor Public Finance laws support the same. It’s therefore illegal in its mentioning.

    Section 55 of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015 on eligibility to bid states that a person is eligible to bid for a contract in procurement   only if the person satisfies the following criteria:

      (a) the person has the legal capacity to enter into a contract for procurement or asset disposal; (b) the person is not insolvent, in receivership, bankrupt or in the process of being wound up; (c) the person, if a member of a regulated profession, has satisfied all the professional requirements; (d) the procuring entity is not precluded from entering into the contract with the person under section 38 of this Act; (e) the person and his or her sub-contractor, if any, is not debarred from participating in procurement proceedings under Part XI of this Act;  (f) the person has fulfilled tax obligations; (g) the person has not been convicted of corrupt or fraudulent practices; and (h) is not guilty of any serious violation of fair employment laws and practices. 

    We were not able to trace where profitability lies in the above.

    TENDER CLOSING

    During tender closing/ opening, it was noted that one bidder, Geminia Insurance Limited submitted one composite document meaning that the financials attached in the tender document were for the composite company and not for the subsidiary company. All the other bidders separated the life business financials from general financials and submitted the bid documents separately. For instance, Jubilee Life Assurance Ltd submitted a separate bid from Jubilee General Insurance Ltd.

    TENDER EVALUATION

    DURING TENDER EVALUATION, THE COMMITTEE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE ISSUES IN THE TENDER DOCUMENT. They immediately wrote to the office of the Head of Procurement requesting for clarification and professional advice on how to manoeuvre with the evaluation. The issues raised were:

    1. That the criteria on 100Million profitability for the year 2020 was not objective but rather subjective since, under Life business, only one bidder passed and therefore making it not competitive, which would mean that more stable and competitive bidders were locked out of the tender.
    2. The issue of Geminia Insurance who submitted composite financials. The head of procurement was requested to advise on how the bidder would be evaluated among others.
    3. The tender document requested for Gross Premium. How to calculate the gross premium was given in the tender document and therefore the item was ambiguous.

    Instead of officially responding to the tender evaluation queries, the management influenced the committee to ignore the issues raised and proceed to award to the already pre determined awardees. The report was rushingly done, forwarded after working hours, professional opinion done at the same time and approved at night of the same day when all other staff had left the hospital so as to leave the other staff unaware of what was happening.

    During evaluation, we contacted KNH in effort to plead for a response but they continually ignored our concerns. At one point before the tender closed, when an underwriter visited the procurement offices, he was kept waiting for five hours and later gave up and left.

    AFTER AWARD

    We made several complaints to both KNH and PPRA. None was responded to. We realized that KNH had promised both ther agent involved and the bidders in question that they would control the situation and not bother with the complaints. CIC Life Assurance Ltd challenged the procurement process at PPRA on 24th June 2021 exactly ten days after the tender award. KNH signed the letters of award on 14th June 2021. PPRA has never responded to the issues raised . We made several complaints subsequently but both parties played dumb. Public offices are put in place for a purpose and public officers should conduct their duties ethically and professionally.

    In an effort to water down the issues raised and counter our complaints as their way of cooling down the heat, KNH management and the agent who choreographed the scandal agreed to form a pseudo mail account and masquerade as a concerned underwriter and purport that we are following up on the same because we are paid to do to so and that our concerns are baseless and aims at tainting the name of the hospital. They also negotiated with PPRA and requested PPRA to block all emails coming from us.

    The email was created on 5th July 2021: [email protected].  This is the email used to counter our complaints and arrogantly respond to us, whose responses are equivocal and  scanty hogwash.

    This has prompted our investigations to go a notch higher and we can now authoritatively report that google gurus are on it. Preliminary investigations have unearthed that, according to google coordinate protocols, the email address used i.e [email protected]was registered with this safari.comnumber, 0722***585 

    This number after investigations belongs to a kenyan in the insurance industry who is a registered agent,  one that we’ve  constantly mentioned to be the choreographer and mastermind of the scandal and is involved in several others in the government including The Youth Fund that previously led to the dismissal of the former head of procurement. The number is also traced with some KNH officers in sports clubs, parking lots and some residential places before, during and after the tender. We however note that the parties have now opted to communicate via whatsapp in fear of being tracked.

    We are in the assignment of getting more information and profiles of the parties involved and will be back with more information. We won’t expose all the details at this stage.

    We request that you take the matter seriously so as to stop the impunity and scam in KNH and the insurance industry.

    Regards.

     

    On Thu, 1 Jul 2021 at 18:16,
    To Director,
    Public Procurement Regulatory Authority
    Attention: PPRB
    Good evening,
    We wish to come to you once again in regards to the same subject matter. All the issues raised in our previous correspondences have never been addressed by the procuring entity and no response whatsoever has ever been given to us. We feel that this is impunity and lack of respect to stakeholders and the state at large.
    Kindly note that we raised the issues way before the tender closed. It’s now three (3) weeks plus and still counting. It’s worth noting that the main issue was and still is the criteria that was maliciously introduced in the tender documentby KNH (Kenyatta National Hospital) for the tender for Procurement of Insurance Underwriting Services, KNH/T/46/2021-2022. The criteria read “The underwriter must have a gross profit of 100million each year for the last 3 years (2020, 2019 & 2018) as per IrA reports.
    We have previously indicated that the same was introduced after a meeting that the KNH bosses had with senior officers in Jubilee Life assurance Ltd who were introduced to each other by an insurance agent (who is related to the Head of Procurement in KNH and come from the same place)and have previously fixed several deals together according to the agent), and who lured them into introducing the criteria so as to knock out all other bidders in Life underwriting services and only pave way for Jubilee Life assurance Ltd who would later win the said tender. We will not mention names for now.
    We requested KNH to provide the legal basis that supports this criteria and upto now they have never responded. They ignored all our concerns and never issued any addendum, but went ahead and awarded the tender. All the queries  went unanswered.The general definition of Gross Premium is “The revenue of a company after it accounts for what had to be paid out to return that revenue, meaning it is the amount of money actually earned. How to calculate gross profit: Gross Profit = Total Revenue – Total Cost. IRA reports only provide for Profit before tax and profit after tax. How this issue was treated in the tender evaluation remains a mystery.
    It’s in the public domain that KNH bosses have assured the agent and the underwriter who was awarded the Life Insurance business that they will handle PPRB staff and that no complaint will be successful. As of now, we are aware that CIC Life Assurance Co. Ltd  have already challenged the procurement process with PPRA/Public Procurement Review Board (PPRB) and we are equally aware that KNH bosses who have their cuts already negotiated and assured are working day and night to influence the decision of the Review board, and that they are rushing to sign the contracts so that payment can be done urgently even as complaints are put every day.
    We kindly request for your urgent action so as to end the impunity and outright corruption.
    Regards,
    On Sun, 27 Jun 2021 at 20:45,
    Attention
    DIRECTOR,
    PPRA & PPRB

    We report to you the above subject matter whereby  KNH (Kenyatta National Hospital) advertised for Procurement of Insurance Underwriting Services, KNH/T/46/2021-2022 on 27th May 2021 that closed on 08/06/2021. We noted that two items in the tender document and specifically the qualifying threshold for Life underwriting business (page 24 of the tender document) were intentionally introduced in the tender document for this year so as to only allow one underwriter, who is the only one who meets the threshold to qualify for the tender. The items are:

    1. Preliminary criteria no. 12 , The underwriter must have a gross profit of 100million each year for the last 3 years (2020, 2019 & 2018) and,
    2. Preliminary criteria no. 13 life underwriters must have gross premiums of Kshs. 500Million for the year 2020.
    The item of profitability coupled with Gross premium of Kshs. 500 Million were put as mandatory in the tender document to lock out all other Life business underwriters and only allow Jubilee Life assurance Ltd win the tender.
    Section 55 of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015 on eligibility to bid states that a person is eligible to bid for a contract in procurement   only if the person satisfies the following criteria:
      (a) the person has the legal capacity to enter into a contract for procurement or asset disposal; (b) the person is not insolvent, in receivership, bankrupt or in the process of being wound up; (c) the person, if a member of a regulated profession, has satisfied all the professional requirements; (d) the procuring entity is not precluded from entering into the contract with the person under section 38 of this Act; (e) the person and his or her sub-contractor, if any, is not debarred from participating in procurement proceedings under Part XI of this Act;  (f) the person has fulfilled tax obligations; (g) the person has not been convicted of corrupt or fraudulent practices; and (h) is not guilty of any serious violation of fair employment laws and practices. 
    As we have previously indicated, these two items in question were introduced by an agent in agreement with the underwriter who convinced KNH bosses after discussing their share.The same agent is lying to  unsuspecting accounting officers and Heads of Procurement who seem not to properly understand the insurance business and at times, misadvising them on matters insurance which later backfires and leaves them in serious problems. The Fact of the matter is that the items are unlawful and contravene the provisions of all the procurement, public finance and insurance laws. Eligibility of tenders is clearly and precisely outlined in the above mentioned section 55 of the procurement Act.
    We would also want to bring to your attention that the same issues were raised by the KNH Tender Evaluation Committee who noticed the weirdness of their inclusion into the tender document. The committee would immediately write to the Head of Procurement requesting for guidance on how to handle them since they were very subjective and locked out all the other bidders in the Life business.
    The issues raised by the evaluation committee were not responded to but instead the committee was silenced and assured of their share. Other members of the committee who tried to enquire further were intimidated and blackmailed.
    It’s also worth noting that we, and other insurance stakeholders raised these issues way before the tender closed. Underwriters, also, some of whom participated and others who chose not to participate in the tender, also raised issues both in soft and in print. All those issues and queries raised were ignored and went unanswered. Negligence and lack of professionalism at the highest.
    As at now, the tender has already been awarded and KNH chose to communicate to all other bidders who participated and leave out the current service provider so that they may NOT know the results and therefore fail to challenge the procurement process with the Procurement Review Board: the window of which expires tomorrow 28/06/2021.
    The issues of negligence highlighted are so unfortunate and we call upon the authority and all other regulatory bodies to take the matter seriously and deal with the scam once and for all.
    Thank you in advance for your consideration.
    Regards,”
  • Selective Execution; When Will EACC Have Balls To Arrest Uhuru’s Ally Githaiga Over TARDA Multi-Million Saga

    Selective Execution; When Will EACC Have Balls To Arrest Uhuru’s Ally Githaiga Over TARDA Multi-Million Saga

    One thing about investigative bodies in Kenya is sometimes talking a lot for the purpose of scoring public trust, promising to crush the criminals in the society and do too little in action. EACC is such a body that has become synonymous with blowing hot air.

    Recently, the anti-graft authority vowed to with other investigative bodies like the DCI and NIS to go after public officers occupying office using forged papers. It has been said that majority are holding office with falsified documents thereby earning salaries irregularly.

    Such a case of public officers using fake documents is that of Stephen Githaiga an ally to the President whom he has often boasted of his assured protection despite the illegalities committed. He was also one of the big financiers for Jubilee Party where he raised millions for the campaigns.

    Having a job remains the biggest dream for many in Kenya and they would strive to do all it takes to keep employment. There is, however a limit to everything as Stephen Githaiga may have learnt the hard way.

    His tenure at the helm of the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (Tarda) was brought to a crashing end last year in October unceremoniously but after a relentless battle when a judge ruled that his appointment as the managing director was in breach of law—ending his three-decade link with the firm he joined as a trainee financial analyst.

    Though Mr Githaiga’s lengthy service at Tarda had been tranquil all through, matters hit a rough patch for him after he rose to the position of managing director in 2015 amid claims of a falsified identification document which lowered his actual age in order to win him a lengthier stay at the water services firm.

    Mr Githaiga was also accused of nepotism after allegedly employing some 41 people who are related to him at the agency, claims he disputed.

    The tribal MD had been misusing his office openly and DCI together with the toothless EACC swayed out of the radar. Sources from EACC confirmed that the MD Steven Githaiga had allegedly bribed EACC  official to evade arrest over multiple crimes.

    After joining Tarda in 1984, Mr Githaiga rose through the ranks and was promoted to the position of deputy managing director.

    In April 2013, he was appointed the acting managing director pending the recruitment of a substantive office holder but the board later met and recommended to Environment CS to confirm him to the position.

    His appointment was confirmed through a Gazette Notice on June 12, 2015, for a term of three years.

    And before the lapse of his term, Mr Githaiga applied for renewal of his tenure and the board subsequently met in July 2017 and resolved to renew his appointment.

    The move forced the Union of Kenya Civil Servants to file a case in court, challenging the decision by Devolution CS to approve his second tenure.

    The union claimed that an audit carried out by the Auditor-General in June 2015 had established that he had changed names and date of birth to avoid retirement.

    According to the union, Mr Githaiga’s passport indicated the date of birth as October 20, 1958 under the name Ruimuku Steven Githaiga. The second identity card, under the name Steven Maina Githaiga, indicated the date of birth as 1953.

    In response, Mr Githaiga maintained that his passport, identity card, birth certificate, baptismal card and police clearance certificates all showed date of birth as October 20, 1958. He denied claims of a second identity card filed by the union showing different dates.

    Other than the claims of falsifying his identity card to avoid retirement, the union alleged that his appointment for the second tenure was irregular because it was made without following due process.

    “The court is satisfied based on the records produced that Steven Maina Githaiga and Steven Githaiga Ruimuku are one and the same person, and that the 4th Respondent (Mr Githaiga) had caused to be altered his birth records,” Justice Stephen Radido ruled.

    The judge said Mr Githaiga was in violation of public service values and principles,since he stood to benefit by altering the dates in his identity card.

    The court noted that the Auditor General’s report for the year ended 2015 established that Mr Githaiga irregularly caused the employment of staff from a particular region, when he was acting managing director.

    “The court is satisfied that the 4th Respondent was in breach of the values and principles of public service as well as the requirements on code of conduct and ethics by causing to be employed by the authority, persons related to him,” the judge said.

    While quashing the appointment, Justice Radido said the government and the agency failed to provide any evidence that Mr Githaiga’s recruitment in April 2015 was subjected to public participation, competition or merit.

    OBVIOUS BREACH

    The judge added that the initial appointment failed to meet the expectations, values and principles of the public service and was therefore, a nullity.

    “The recommendation by the Authority in 2018 for the appointment and/or renewal of contract of the 4th Respondent, and the renewal of contract by the Cabinet Secretary was founded upon an obvious breach of the guiding norms and cannot be allowed to stand,” the judge said.

    The fact that the judge found him guilty of having worked illegally, relevant bodies as EACC ought to have picked the case immediately for prosecution and recover the irregularly earned perks. But have we had? A resounding silence perhaps to get the case out of the public face.

    According to a petition filed in court, Steve Githaiga Ruimuku defrauded the Government over Kshs. 20 million in salaries and allowances for the years as MD. Then over ksh12 million he paid non-existing staff including his wife, brother, new wife’s brothers and other relatives and friends.

    In 2019 when we mounted pressure, Mubarak led EACC officials confirmed that they were investigating Githaiga. The same Institution had confirmed in 2016 that Steve was a verified fraud and he was being grilled.

    When Mubarak was installed at the EACC, he was tasked to clean the rotten EACC. The corrupt individuals had made EACC a den of the corrupt and had acquired massive wealth by sitting on documents and subvert serious cases.

    TARDA was operationally crippled by this MD. In countries where the rule of law prevails, Steve would already be serving his miserable time behind bars. Unfortunately, he’s a free man roaming in Urban eating joints and spending cash from his fraud dealings in City bars.

    He’s always chest-thumping that he has Uhuru Kenyatta’s blessings and he’s from his community. Steven Githaiga contributed Ksh 2.5 Million for president Uhuru’s re-election. Is he amongst those that are on the State House protection list?

    Giving credits where it’s due, today, Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested a former County Executive in Charge of Sports in Meru, for allegedly forging his education papers.

    Daniel Kiogora was arrested after EACC received intelligence reports that he forged his Bachelor of Commerce Degree Certificate from the University of Nairobi.

    He is said to have used the forged document to secure his job.

    This is exactly how things should be done. Cases need to be investigated and prosecuted and filed not left to catch dust yet the body has claimed they’ve been investigating Githaiga since 2016? Such a simple case. The inaction could simply mean that Githaiga is a man too big for Mubarak.

    The downside of leaving such cases untouched is it encourages the crime and replicated in other institutions. For a country that has highly qualified young people catching dust in unemployment, jobs should be given to people who’re qualified for the positions. You can’t fight corruption with trembling hands.

    For the 111th time we’re asking EACC to tell us how far they’ve gone with Githaiga’s case which is in the public domain just in the same speed they’re telling us about junior officials being arrested over forged papers.

    Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) also ought to be interested and enjoined in the efforts of recovering the public’s funds not only from Githaiga but all those who earn salaries, enjoy perks that the jobs they fraudulently sit on come with.

    Lastly, are president’s fraud allies too sacred to be touched?

  • Governor Khaemba turns Trans-Nzoia into a hotbed of nepotism

    Governor Khaemba turns Trans-Nzoia into a hotbed of nepotism

    Nepotism is the criteria for appointment in Trans-Nzoia county which is run by governor Patrick Khaemba and his wife Lydia Khaemba who is equally calling shots in her husband’s administration.  Any qualified job seeking Kenyan without a relative or friend at the Tranz-Nzoia’s county offices or assembly stands no chance of employment to improve service delivery.

    The vice has pushed the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to freeze accounts of some unqualified employees at the health department where all the officers are relatives.

    Governor Khaemba’s wife Lydia Khaemba pushed her husband to influence the employment her brother Dickson Kirwa as as a clinical officer, the same position where the chief officer in charge of livestock Shadrack Kimtai also employed his brother Kosgei Shadrack.

    The CEC in charge of public service management Susan Murumba has employed her daughter, Dolphin Murumba, as nutrition and dietetics technician-the same position where Evelyn Nanyama, the daughter to the county assembly protocol officer is serving.

    Governor Patrick Khaemba and his wife Lydia in a past PR event [p/courtesy]
    The human resource manager Imelda Agoi who runs the county public service board has also employed her sisters Lillian Kasandi, Edith Khavere and her cousin Amos Barasa in the position of orthopedic technologist.  Stephen Obare, the son to the Trans Nzoia county assembly CEO is also employed in the position of health administrative officers through the influence of his corrupt father.

    The long list also includes the county’s public service board secretary, Mr. Soita who used his position to influence the handpicking of his daughter Rael Naliaka to serve as a nurse.

    Mr John Meng’wa who is eyeing the Saboti parliamentary seat but currently in charge of environment influenced the employment of his brother Javan Kimtai Meng’wa while county secretary Wakofula Sifuna is found to have employed his daughter Mary Nasimiyu in the position of physiotherapist.

    Also in the spotlight is Trans Nzoia deputy governor Stanely Tarus who influenced the employment for his daughter Cynthia Kepkosgei as health administrative officer. Other practitioners of the vice include Chereng’ani sub-county administrator Dorothy Musikoyo who employed her sister Saenyi Eugene as a medical officer while Diana Seme, a ward administrator also sneaked in her sister Rose Nafula.

    Trans-Nzoia’s County assembly finance officer Moses Lupao also influenced employment of his sister Stella Pepela at the county offices.