Election official charged with altering tender rules

A picture of solar lanterns.

What you need to know:

Electoral Commission Procurement Manager Willie Gachanja Kamanga, conspired to manipulate the solar lanterns tender in favour of Solarmak Technologies, the court heard.

  • The firm’s directors, Mr Benson Gethi Wangui and Ms Joyce Makena, were also to be enjoined in the case on charges of forgery and presentation of a false document.
  • Commission officials who have denied charges are Adan Katello Adano, Kennedy Guanye Ochae, Abdi Elema Ali and Gabriel Ngonyo Mutunga.

An election official was on Thursday charged with corruption over a tender for the March 2013 General Election.

Electoral Commission Procurement Manager Willie Gachanja Kamanga, conspired to manipulate the solar lanterns tender in favour of Solarmak Technologies, the court heard.

Mr Kamanga joins four other election commission officials facing similar charges.

Between 22 October 2012 and 23 November 2012 in Nairobi, he colluded to change the price submitted by Solarmak, it is alleged.

The firm’s directors, Mr Benson Gethi Wangui and Ms Joyce Makena, were also to be enjoined in the case on charges of forgery and presentation of a false document.

But they have blocked their prosecution at the High Court.

They are alleged to have forged a Certificate of Incorporation which they presented to the electoral commission.

Commission officials who have denied charges are Adan Katello Adano, Kennedy Guanye Ochae, Abdi Elema Ali and Gabriel Ngonyo Mutunga.

Their cases will be heard on April 7 and 8.

They have all denied a charge stating they altered the tender details to suit Solarmak Technologies.

They are also accused of changing the price schedule on documents the company submitted.

The suspects have been released on Sh 700,000 bond.

Yesterday, their lawyers were directed to get copies of witness statements and exhibits in readiness for the hearing.