MPs want Shollei, 3 others prosecuted

MPs yesterday recommended the prosecution of former top Judiciary officials suspected of presiding over corruption that led to loss of billions of shillings.

The National Assembly Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo, relied on the special audit by the Auditor-General Edward Ouko to recommend the prosecution of four individuals.

The recommendations specifically call for the arrest and trial of former Chief Registrar Gladys Boss Shollei for allegedly flouting procurement laws, leading to the loss of over Sh2 billion.

“Ms Gladys Boss Shollei should be prosecuted for gross breach of government financial regulations and procedures, the procurement laws and failing to safeguard public funds as the accounting officer of the Judicial Service Commission,” reads the report tabled in Parliament on Tuesday.

Others to face charges are former Finance Director Benedict Omolo, former ICT Director Tom Atak and his former Supply Chain Management counterpart Martin Okwatta.

Although the special audit also implicates Chief Justice Willy Mutunga for irregularly earning over Sh1.5 million in salary and single-sourcing a security contractor, he is not recommended for prosecution.

However, he is required to refund the leave allowances earned irregularly.

PAC also cites Dr Mutunga for refusal to honour its summons during investigations.

The committee also directs that Dr Mutunga take responsibility for more than Sh20 million that was irregularly paid to JSC commissioners as sitting allowances.