The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has won a case against Former Ministry of Education official Joshua Momanyi who created a fake school and received millions of shillings in funding.
In a statement on Thursday, October 12, EACC said it is seeking to recover Ksh.11,131,305.53 from Momanyi who created a ghost school and allocated it government funds.
“EACC has won a High Court case seeking recovery of Kes. 11,131,305.53 from one Joshua Momanyi Ocharo who while working at the Ministry of Education established a ‘ghost’ school called ‘Mundeku Secondary School,’ purportedly located in Khwisero Sub-County, Kakamega County and consistently allocated it Government funds meant for the Free Day Secondary Education Programme,” read the statement in parts.
In his ruling, Justice Prof Nixon Sifuna found that Momanyi conceived and executed a fraudulent scheme through which he received the mentioned amount at the expense of the children of Kenya, who are the beneficiaries of the Free Day Secondary Education funds.
Further, EACC explained that Momanyi added Mundeku Secondary School into the payment records and used his personal account to obtain the funds meant for the ghost institution.
“Momanyi, whose duties in the Ministry entailed preparation of Funds Distribution Schedules, added the name of the non-existent school into the payment records, and inserted his personal bank account number, against the ghost school which he represented as a legitimate beneficiary,” said EACC.
Crime Proceedings
Additionally, the Commission said the theft took place on different dates between August 22, 2017, and June 18, 2018.
Moreover, the court ordered that the assets Momanyi acquired from the Ksh.11 million should be seized since they are proceeds of a criminal activity.
“Momanyi used part of the money to buy a Toyota Vanguard vehicle and two prime parcels of land which the High Court declared proceeds of crime that should be forfeited to the government,” read the statement.
In addition, EACC said a file recommending Momanyi’s prosecution has since been forwarded to the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (ODPP).
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Education Ministry Funds Reactions
The announcement by EACC sparked mixed amongst Kenyans on X with some praising the Commission for the achievement while others criticized the funds allocation procedure to schools
A user named Geza Geza praised EACC for its dedication to the fight against corruption amongst public officers.
“This victory is a significant step in the fight against corruption and a testament to your dedication to upholding ethics and integrity. Keep up the important work in ensuring accountability and justice prevail,” said Geza Geza.
On the other hand, Richard M. Obere wondered whether it is legal for 80 percent of school funds to be spent by education officials and headteachers and only 20 percent be left for the students.
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“Is it normal and procedural for about 80% of Free primary education funds to be spent by schools for seminars and the likes by headteachers and education officials while the schools and children only spent a paltry 20% of it without the ministry questioning the same?” he asked.
X user Kip Kips stated that the ministry of education school fees and capitation are a cash cow for boards and headteachers.
Further, Kip kips suggested that the funds be audited to ensure the fees charged in public schools is different from that of private schools.
