8 Government Officials Face Jail Term Over Ksh 140M Tenders

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has charged eight Murang’a County Government Officials over irregularities in the procurement of tenders worth Ksh140 million. 

In a statement on Saturday, April 13, the DPP noted that former Murang’a governor Mwangi wa Iria, and the seven other individuals were charged following investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). 

Others charged include Patrick Kagumu Mukuria, Jane Wanjiru Mbuthia, David Maina Kiama, David Maina Njeri, Jane Waigwe Kimani, Solomon Mutura Kimani and Peter Muturi Karanja.

“This follows an investigation by EACC on procurement irregularities and conflict of interest in the award of publicity tenders by the County Government of Murang’a to M/S Top Image Media Consultancy Ltd in the Financial Year 2014/2015 and 2015/2016.

“They were found to have engaged in procurement irregularities in the award of publicity tenders to Top Image Media Consultants Limited and Value View Limited,” the statement read in part.

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Charges Against the 8 Officials

The eight were charged with Conspiracy to commit an offense of corruption, Abuse of Office, Unlawful acquisition of public property and Conflict of interest. 

Additionally, they were charged with dealing with suspect property, Money Laundering contrary to Section 3 as read with Section 16 of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (POCAMLA) No. 9 of 2009.

“The ODPP remains committed to executing its Constitutional Mandate in accordance with the rule of law and further, with due regard to the Public Interest, the Administration of Justice, and avoidance of abuse of the legal process,” added the statement.

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DPP on Embezzlement of Funds 

At the same time, ODPP directed that the OL-Kalou NG- CDF officials and associated companies be charged with Conspiracy to Commit an Economic Crime, Abuse of office, Financial Misconduct and Unlawful Acquisition of Public Property. 

Also, they were charged with Fraudulent acquisition, Dealing with suspect property and Money Laundering.

This followed investigation by EACC that determined that a sum of Ksh62.4 million was disbursed to the Ol Kalou Constituency Roads Project Bank Account between 2014 and 2018.

In addition, the commission determined that during the same period, Cheque and cash withdrawals totaling Ksh55.8 million were made out in favor of Ol Kalou NG-CDF Roads Project Committee Officials and in the names of 7 other companies without following any procurement procedures.

“The Roads Committee officials claim that the expenditure was in support of various road works carried out across the Constituency for the financial years 2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016, 2016/2017 and 2017/2018. 

“The validity of the expenditure cannot be confirmed since the Roads Committee Officials were not able to avail documents in support of the expenditure. In the absence of documentation, it can be inferred that no road works were carried out and that this was a fraudulent scheme,” the statements noted.