Anti-graft detectives to scrutinise county deals

The anti-corruption team is investigating the county government on allegations of misappropriation of funds.

The investigation covers 15 projects, mainly relating to construction projects, according to a letter dated October 15 from Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Deputy Secretary Michael Mubea to County Secretary Fred Kitema.

The letter, which was copied to Governor William Kabogo, cites rehabilitation and construction of roads, markets, dispensaries and foot bridges.

The affected projects include rehabilitation works in Githunguri ward by Kanda Investments, delivery of 148 lorry loads of 15 tonnes of murram and rehabilitation of two roads in Gatongora ward.

Rehabilitation of Gatitu-Kamondo road, maintenance of Gitere Primary School, rehabilitation of Gatukuyu market in Mangu, construction of footbridges on Kieni-Karatina and Gathiru-ini-Kamuchege roads and construction of culverts at Gitaiya footbridge in Mangu are also being investigated.

The commission has requested the officials to provide original procurement documents relating to the projects to facilitate the investigation.

The documents should include approved budgets, advertisements or a list of prequalified contractors and bid documents or quotations, Mr Mubea stated.

They commission further seeks tender, evaluation and opening committee minutes, award and acceptance letters, contracts, delivery documents, inspection records and payment documents, among others.

Mr Mubea said two officers from the commission would be sent to the county to collect the documents and would record statements from relevant officers.

The letter has a recipient acknowledgement stamp dated October 16. Mr Kitema did not refute or acknowledge receiving the letter, but said they had been in touch with State agencies.