More governors expected in court over corruption charges
Integrity Centre, the headquarters of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, in Nairobi. The High Court has stopped EACC from investigating six JSC members. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
So far, Governors Godana Doyo of Isiolo and Nathif Jama (Garissa) have been charged in court while there are recommendations to sue Mr Mwangi wa Iria (Murang’a) and Dr Alfred Mutua (Machakos).
Other counties where there are active forensic investigation cases and where charges could be filed against governors, county executives and MCAs include Bungoma, Makueni, Kiambu, Trans Nzoia, Kitui and Mombasa.
More governors, Members of County Assembly (MCAs) and county government officers are expected in court in a new fight against graft after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) opened investigations targeting most counties.
So far, Governors Godana Doyo of Isiolo and Nathif Jama (Garissa) have been charged in court while there are recommendations to sue Mr Mwangi wa Iria (Murang’a) and Dr Alfred Mutua (Machakos).
Mr Jama is accused of irregularly leasing ambulance services for Garissa from the Emergency (EPLUS) Medical Services Ltd, a company fully owned by the Kenya Red Cross. Mr Wa Iria is said to have sworn a false declaration in the form he submitted to the EACC on December 11, 2012 while seeking to vie for the seat.
Mr Godana is facing charges over an irregular Supplementary Appropriation Act 2014 alleged to have been passed by the County Assembly of Isiolo on December 11, 2014.
Other counties where there are active forensic investigation cases and where charges could be filed against governors, county executives and MCAs include Bungoma, Makueni, Kiambu, Trans Nzoia, Kitui and Mombasa.
In Bungoma, various officers are being investigated over allegations of embezzlement of public funds and unexplained wealth amounting to Sh350 million. They also risk charges of bribery in the award of tenders, employment opportunities and other favours amounting to Sh57 million.
County government officers and MCAs from Makueni face allegations of misappropriation of Sh10 million meant for drinking water that was never delivered and a similar amount for medical cover for MCAs which was never effected.
In Kiambu, officers are on the spot for alleged irregular procurement of drugs worth Sh100 million while in Siaya, suspects may be taken to court over a Sh248 million irregular award of tenders for construction or erection of pre-fabricated buildings and a perimeter wall.
Trans Nzoia and Kitui officers are accused of irregular procurement and misappropriation of Sh990 million and Sh845 million, respectively.
The county government of Mombasa, which is led by Governor Ali Hassan Joho, is facing investigations into an irregular Sh350 million garbage collection tender.
