Police vetting team questions source of traffic officer's assets

A senior police officer has been given 3 days by the National Police Service Commission to explain in detail why he sent money to a junior officer 78 times within a short period, after he failed to account for M-Pesa transactions worth thousands of shillings.

Chief Inspector Safari Katana, will this Wednesday appear before the Johnston Kavuludi-chaired commission at the Government Training College in Mombasa to explain in detail to whom he sent the money, how much was it and for what purpose.

Mr Katana, a traffic commander based at Voi was put to task to explain how he had acquired assets worth more than Sh64 million. The officer had difficulties explaining to the commission how he made M-Pesa transactions 78 times to a senior officer and received money from junior officers. He also sent money to a woman officer whom he claimed to be his fiancée more than 15 times.

Mr Katana, who has been declared to be worth Sh64.1 million said that he had acquired his wealth through serving in foreign peace keeping missions and in different businesses.

The huge number of M-Pesa transactions were made to senior officers and those where he received cash were from junior officers, startling the commissioner who at one time asked him, “Are you a philanthropist? You have given and received money so many times!”

TRANSACTIONS STOPPED ABRUPTLY

“What is more curious is that these transactions stopped abruptly as the vetting day approached. Can you explain this?” asked Mr Kavuludi.

“I served for one-and-a half years in peacekeeping missions where I received 450 dollars allowance per month. I also do gemstone business, real estate and general supplies,” he said.

He added that before joining the police service 28 years ago, he was employed in his family business where he saved his salary while investing in business projects.

The officer admitted that he owns several land plots and rental houses, but was at pains to explain how, despite his wealth, his several bank accounts combined had only about Sh14,000.

He said he belonged to work groups and merry-go-rounds where members contributed Sh5, 000 every two weeks. He also added that he used to help his colleagues with money through M-Pesa, which explained the numerous transactions.

But Mr Kavuludi doubted this theory saying it had no practicability, even for a person as seemingly well off as he was.

“I earn a bigger salary than you do. I am a farmer growing tea, coffee and also do other businesses. But it’s hard for me to give Sh5, 000 every two weeks to an organization like yours. How practical is it? asked the chairman.