EACC dragging its feet in KPC probe, says Sang

Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang speaks before the National Assembly's Energy committee on June 7, 2018 concerning a questionable tender. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The EACC investigations have zeroed in on claims that the tender was grossly inflated with the connivance of KPC employees.
  • Sang said that various correspondences to the commission over the matter have not been adequately addressed.

Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang accused the anti-corruption commission of delaying investigations into the Sh655 million tender for the supply of 60 hydrant pit valves for refuelling aircraft.

Mr Sang, who appeared before the Energy committee of the National Assembly on Thursday, said the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) launched investigations into the acquisition of the valves in 2015 but the matter has not been concluded.

The KPC boss also said that various correspondences to the commission over the matter have not been adequately addressed.

The EACC investigations have zeroed in on claims that the tender was grossly inflated with the connivance of KPC employees, some of whom have been suspended.

EVIDENCE
However, EACC Deputy Chief Executive Officer Michael Mubea disputed Mr Sang’s claims, saying that the investigations started last year.

“The investigations have since taken us to the US and Canada. We have gathered the required evidence and we shall be concluding our report in due course,” Mr Mubea told the Nation on the phone.

In 2014, KPC awarded the tender for the supply of the 60 hydrant pit valves to an American Company, Cla-Val Ltd, to replace the outdated ones used at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

But the US company contacted its local subsidiary – Aero Dispensers Valves Ltd – which supplied the pumps in July 2015 and was paid Sh200 million upfront.

However, before KPC could receive them, EACC moved in to freeze their use since they were the subject of investigations, a move that made committee Chairman David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East MP) wonder where the EACC had acquired such powers from.