EACC launches probe into new claims on Sh791m NYS scam

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched a fresh probe into the Sh791 million National Youth Service (NYS) scandal.

The agency, in a statement on Tuesday, said investigations had been launched into allegations made in an affidavit by Ms Josephine Kabura Irungu.

“We will be summoning Ms Kabura and other persons of interest mentioned in her affidavit to assist in this fresh inquiry,” said the statement, signed by EACC Head of Corporate Communications Kairichi Mirimba.

In her affidavit, Ms Irungu mentioned former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru, her personal assistant Betty Maina, Mr Hassan Noor, who was the chief of staff in the ministry, and Mr Joseph Mugwanja, who is the director of the Banking Fraud Department.

She also mentioned Mr Adan Harakhe, political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi and Ms Loise Mbarire, who, she alleges, is Ms Wauguru’s sister.

Ms Waiguru had earlier been cleared of the allegations that she was involved in the financial scam, but Ms Irungu stated in her affidavit that she knew everything that was going on and that she even helped her register companies and open bank accounts for them.

Ms Irungu also alleged that Ms Waiguru approved payments to individuals and deposits to bank accounts.

The businesswoman revealed dealings that involved a web of police officers, journalists, businessmen, government officials and other people in the 102-paragraph affidavit that opens a fresh insight into the scam.

After the press published the allegations made by Ms Irungu, Ms Waiguru denied having met Ms Irungu or even making any business dealings with her.

She said the allegations were fabricated and aimed at tarnishing her reputation.

She told Nation FM that the "ridiculous" allegations in the affidavit had a lot of inconsistencies and said they were another attack on her.