Mutea Iringo fights case to sack him over ‘missing’ billions

What you need to know:

  • Activists Hillary Mulialia, Evans Aseto, Joseph Gitonga and Samson Ajiayo filed the petition seeking the suspension of Mr Iringo and Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo to allow investigations into transfer of Sh3,155,488,759 to the police department without being accounted.
  • According to Mr Mulialia, the report showed that the Ministry of State for Provincial Administration where Mr Iringo served as the Permanent Secretary failed to show documents supporting use of Sh3 billion and that the funds may not have been used for their intended purposes.

Defence Principal Secretary Mutea Iringo has opposed an application challenging his integrity after auditor-general’s report alleged loss of Sh3 billion from the Office of the President under his watch.

Mr Iringo stated that the court has no jurisdiction to determine the issue since the report for the 2012/2013 financial year is already before the National Assembly for debate.

“The petition is an abuse of the court process since it goes against the doctrine of separation of powers. The petitioners’ motives are only actuated by political vendetta, malice and ulterior motives,” he said through lawyer Kibe Mungai.

“The proceedings are not founded on any lawful cause of action and constitutes unjustified attack on the character and dignity of Mr Iringo meant to embarrass him and his family,” Mr Mungai added.

WANT IRINGO AND KIMAIYO SUSPENDED

Activists Hillary Mulialia, Evans Aseto, Joseph Gitonga and Samson Ajiayo filed the petition seeking the suspension of Mr Iringo and Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo to allow investigations into transfer of Sh3,155,488,759 to the police department without being accounted.

The activists further want a freeze and a financial audit of Mr Iringo and Mr Kimaiyo’s personal and business bank accounts and those of their immediate family members.

“The auditor-general’s report suggests the huge amounts are missing and since the two were the ones in charge of the institutions, there is a likelihood the money may be reflected in their bank accounts or those of their close relatives,” swore Mr Mulialia.

They argued that Mr Iringo and Mr Kimaiyo are likely to interfere with investigations by virtue of their powerful offices.

According to Mr Mulialia, the report showed that the Ministry of State for Provincial Administration where Mr Iringo served as the Permanent Secretary failed to show documents supporting use of Sh3 billion and that the funds may not have been used for their intended purposes.

“The funds were directed away from their intended purposes of reinforcing our internal security which in turn has exposed the public to unnecessary risks and threats from terrorists groups,” he said.