Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested the Director General of the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) Stephen Ogenga on Saturday, June 1, 2024.
According to EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi, Ogenga was arrested in an ongoing probe of allegations of an irregular award of a tender worth over Ksh28.4 million.
Ogenga, former Nita Director General Paul Kipsang and two other suspects are being investigated over allegations of awarding a tender fraudulently to XPonics Limited for the supply, installation and maintenance of sewing and training machines for Nita.
“The Commission conducted investigations sent upon conclusion, the Commission submitted the files to the DPP who, upon independent review of the files, concurred with the recommendation of the Commission to charge the following suspects. Stephen Ogenga, the current Director General Nita, Paul Kipsang, the former Director General of Nita and the two directors of the company that was awarded this tender fraudulently, Exponics Limited operating in Kenya,” Ngumbi said.
The NITA boss was arrested at his home in Hazina estate in Nairobi County on Saturday morning together with his wife, Elizabeth Achieng, who is said to have attempted to obstruct EACC officers during the arrest.
Ogenga and two directors of Xponics Limited, James Waweru, and Sheila Wambui, Nakingua are being held at the EACC Police Station.
EACC Orders Former NITA Boss to Surrender
Besides, Ngumbi explained that the four suspects will be arraigned on Monday, June 3, and directed the former NITA director general to report to EACC offices the same day.
“There is one suspect yet to be arrested, and therefore the Commission directs Mr. Paul, Kipsang, the former Director General of Nita, to report to EACC on Monday morning at 8am without fail for the purposes of processing to be taken to court alongside the other suspects,” he said.
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Suspect’s Charges
According to EACC, the suspects will be charged with conspiracy to commit an offense of corruption, abuse of office and fraudulent acquisition of public property.
“The arrest of the Director General and the former Director General of Nita today is part of ongoing investigations by the Commission that is targeting state corporations, particularly the ones that have a high level of corruption, where state officials are embezzling public funds to the detriment of service to their people.
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Ogenga Suspension & Reinstatement
Ogenga was suspended from office by NITA Chairman Adenor Ali on November 24, 2023. He contested his suspension on November 28, 2023, even filing a petition in court.
In his defense, Ogenga argued that the fraudulent tender in question was procured and awarded when he was not the accounting officer and that he had fully cooperated with the EACC on the matter. The court reinstated him, stating that his suspension was unlawful.
Meanwhile, the Commission has prioritized investigations into allegations of public fund embezzlement in 24 counties.
Additionally, EACC has pledged to intensify and sustain its anti-corruption efforts, committing to recover public funds and assets from individuals misusing them.
“EACC will be kindly monitoring the implementation and execution of budgets by different institutions to flag out ghost projects that are now increasingly being used as a way of embezzling public funds,”
The Commission has pledged to intensify and sustain its anti-corruption efforts, committing to recover public funds and assets from individuals misusing them.
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