Mystery over corruption claims against Ruto aide

Mystery surrounds the origin of an anonymous letter sent to the anti-graft agency accusing Deputy President William Ruto’s chief of staff, Ms Marianne Kitany, of corruption.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) acknowledged having received the letter sent in July that accuses Ms Kitany of misappropriating of over Sh200 million and abuse of office.

But the strange thing about the letter is that it supposedly emanates from “The Presidency” but it is unsigned, it bears no identity of the author and it is not on a official letterhead.

However, it appears to reflect a power struggle in high places. Inquiries by the Nation have established that a few officials in both Mr Ruto’s office and President Uhuru Kenyatta’s State House and Harambee House offices are aware of the letter. They spoke on condition of anonymity in support of the allegations.

Indicative of a power struggle is that the letter accuses Ms Kitany of diverting Sh100 million from the Legislative and Inter-Governmental Relations Office to mobilise MPs in the abortive campaign last July to impeach the powerful Cabinet Secretary for Devolution Ann Waiguru.

MOTION DROPPED

The Motion of impeachment, sponsored by Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi, was dropped following the intervention of President Kenyatta.

The memo was forwarded to the EACC boss, Mr Mumo Matemu, who acknowledged receipt the same day.

Contacted by the Nation on Sunday, the commission’s spokesperson, Yasin Amaro, said by phone from Migori that if any allegations are received, then investigations follows automatically.

The memo also accuses Ms Kitany of irregular expenditure of another Sh100 million for the renovation of Mr Ruto’s office.

Ms Kitany did not pick our numerous calls nor respond to short text messages seeking her comment on the claims.