Ex-KBC boss denies fraud charge

A former Kenya Broadcasting Corporation managing director has denied irregularly awarding broadcast tenders for last year’s World Cup finals in South Africa.

Mr David Wakaba Waweru on Tuesday faced three counts of directly procuring contracts with media companies to air live broadcasts in breach of procurement procedures.

The anti-corruption court was told that Mr Waweru procured contracts with Fifa and Africa Union Broadcasting to Royal Media Services and Radio Africa Ltd without the approval of KBC’s Central Tender Committee.

He is charged jointly with former company secretary Hezekiel Oira.

Mr Waweru appeared in court based on summons issued on April 20. He did not attend court that day as he was said to be away.

On Tuesday, he denied three counts of failing to comply with the law relating to tendering of contracts in the Anti-Corruption and Economics Crimes Act.

State counsel Edwin Okello urged magistrate Lucy Nyambura to release the former parastatal chief on bond terms similar to those imposed on Mr Oira on April 20. Mr Okello said the State would be calling 17 witnesses in the hearing set for July 18-21.

“ I urge this court to take notice that Mr Waweru has complied with court orders that he submits himself to the officers of Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission for finger printing. He also turned up in court as directed and the State does not oppose his release on bond,” he submitted.

Ms Nyambura said: “I direct that he be released on bond with similar terms as those of Mr Oira.”

Mr Waweru was released on cash bail of Sh200,000 with an alternative bond of Sh500,000 and a surety in similar amount.