Nyeri governor Nderitu Gachagu. Mr Gachagua is accused of having used his three personal cars, fuelled by the county government, while on official duties although he had been allocated two government vehicles. PHOTO/BILLY MUTAI/FILE
What you need to know:
- The file on the governor and the four other officers was returned in March to EACC.
- Mr Gachagua is accused of having used his three personal cars for official duties.
- The four officers processed the mileage payment.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission is finalising an investigation into the conduct of Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua and four other officials for abuse of office.
The file on the governor and the four other officers was returned in March to the commission by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Keriako Tobiko, who called for further investigations.
Mr Gachagua is accused of having used his three personal cars, fuelled by the county government, while on official duties although he had been allocated two government vehicles.
The governor also lodged a mileage claim amounting to Sh1.3 million, which was paid.
The four officers processed the mileage payment.
Meanwhile, the commission has cleared the Public Service Commission of any wrongdoing over allegations of irregularities in the recruitment of principal secretaries.
“No culpability was established on the part of the commission to warrant criminal charges against the chairperson, commissioners or employees,” said EACC.
EACC, in its first quarterly report for the year 2014 covering January to March, and published in the Kenya gazette, also disclosed that it had forwarded 17 cases of corruption to the DPP for prosecution. The commission also recommended prosecution in 11 cases.
“The commission also recommended administrative action for one file, and five other cases for closure,” said the Commission Secretary Dr Halake Waqo.
Further, Dr Waqo said that one file which had been recommended for administrative action had been accepted, while 5 cases had been closed following the DPP’s recommendation. Two files were returned for further investigation.
Among the cases already in court is that belonging to Central Bank Governor Prof Njuguna Ndung'u, for abuse of office contrary to section 46 of the Anti-corruption and economic crimes Act.
Another case is that of the prosecution of former lands minister Amos Kimunya, Midland Limited chairman Junghae Wainaina and a director of Land Adjudication and Settlement Ms Lilian Njenga.
Mr Kimunya is accused of abuse of office and fraudulent disposal of public property contrary to section 46 and 45(1)(a) of the Anti-corruption and crimes Act, respectively.
