Top Govt CEO Arrested Over Ksh292 Million Fraud

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested Fredrick Tito Mwamati, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tanathi Water Works Development Agency (TAWWDA).

In a statement on June 25, the EACC announced that Mwamati was arrested over alleged procurement fraud amounting to Ksh 292,770,465.

The tender was awarded to M/s Perma Structural Engineering Company Ltd for the construction of the Kinanie Leather Industrial Park Water Supply Project – Phases II & III during the financial years 2021/2022 and 2022/2023.

“The Commission commenced investigations in 2022 upon receipt of a complaint that top officials of TAWWDA had embezzled public funds to the tune of Ksh 292,770,465 through fraudulent schemes in the award of tenders to companies linked to them,” read part of the statement.

“Upon conclusion of the investigations, the Commission submitted the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).”

Other Officials to be Arrested

EACC stated that the DPP upon independent review concurred with the Commission’s recommendations to charge other eight suspects with Mwamati.

The eight other officials at TAWWDA include Francis Siva, General Manager of Infrastructure Development, David Otieno Mwango, Manager of Operations, and Duncan Mulandi Mutambuki, Manager of Finance and Accounts.

Also Read: Salim Swaleh Among Top Govt Officials Arrested at Mudavadi’s Office

Others charged include Eric Muendo Ng’alu, a senior engineer, and Dickson Mugambi, an engineer at TAWWDA.

Additionally, Peter Muange Kimuyu, Joseph Mutua Muange and Willy Kimuyu Muange, directors from Muange Company Ltd, are also among those charged.

TAWWDA CEO & 8 others’ Charges

The suspects will be charged with conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption contrary to Section 47A (3) as read with Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003 (ACECA).

They will also face charges of abuse of office contrary to Section 46 as read with Section 48 of ACECA and fraudulent acquisition of public property contrary to Section 45(1)(a) as read with Section 48(1) of ACECA.

Also Read: EACC Arrests 11 Govt Officials Over Ksh17 Million Public Funds Loss

Furthermore, they will be accused of willful failure to comply with procurement laws contrary to Section 45 (2) (b) as read with Section 48 of ACECA.

Additional charges include conflict of interest contrary to Section 42 (3) as read with Section 48 of ACECA.

The Commission said it is pursuing the remaining eight (8) suspect who are yet to be arrested.

Consequently, the EACC directed the eight suspects to report to its Headquarters at the Integrity Centre Building, or the nearest EACC Regional Office, by Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 8:00 AM, without fail.

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