Key players in land deal that cost taxpayers Sh260 million

The following are some of the public officials adversely mentioned in connection with the cemetery scandal.

Mr Sammy Kirui

Before his appointment as Permanent secretary at Local Government, Mr Kirui was the managing director at Telkom Kenya. A report by the auditor general says that he approved purchase of the cemetery land.

Mr Reuben Rotich

He joined the ministry of Local Government after a career as powerful district commissioner in the Moi administration. He served in Kiambu, Mombasa and Kajiado districts.

The audit report says he recommended purchase of the plot.

Mr Herman Chevara (chief Finance officer)

According to the auditor general, after other Local Government officials approved the purchase, Mr Chevara allegedly instructed accounting officers to speed up payment.

Mr John Gakuo

He was the then Town Clerk and is adversely mentioned in the reports though many of the signatures were that of his deputy, Mr Nelson Otido, to whom he delegated leadership of the Council Tender Committee.

Mr Otido retired in December 2008.

Mr Gakuo is credited for the beautification efforts and paying salary arrears of council employees.

Ms Mary Ngechi Ng’ethe

During the transaction, she was serving as the director of legal services at the City Council. She is now a senior principal state counsel in the Attorney General’s office. She signed many documents in the deal. She was sent on leave last year when Town Clerk Philip Kisia took over.

Dr Daniel Nguku