The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has called for prosecution of Former Kisii Deputy Governor over allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
As announced by the special committee of the National Assembly probing and vetting the 27 persons nominated by President William Ruto to various ambassadorial positions, the corruption scandal is under the National Housing Project (NHP).
According to the EACC, Joash Maangi stands accused of illicitly receiving substantial sums of money as part of the alleged graft scheme revolving around NHP.
Further, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission submitted a request to the Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee of the National Assembly, expressing doubts about the appropriateness of Former Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Arthur Maangi to hold ambassadorial post.
Maangi, who was nominated as the ambassador to Kampala, Uganda, encountered challenges in proving his innocence before a parliamentary panel tasked with conducting his approval hearing.
The allegations stem from his association with a company implicated in the NHP corruption scandal, where he serves as a director.
Maangi through his company is alleged to have received double payment in the tune of 100million for the same housing project.
During the vetting process, Kamkunji MP Yusuf Hassan questioned why Maangi did not wait to resolve the ongoing case before pursuing his diplomatic assignment.
The EACC memorandum submitted to the Committee, chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, outlined concerns regarding payments made to the company for housing units in Langata, which the anti-graft body disputes.
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EACC Ongoing Graft Case Against Maangi
According to Koech, the investigation into the 2010 case is still ongoing, with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) returning the file to the EACC for further inquiry.
In addition, the lingering investigation raised doubts among committee members regarding Maangi’s suitability for the ambassadorial role, with Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan suggesting that clearing his name before assuming the assignment would be in the best interest of both Maangi and the country.
“The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is actively investigating you; A dark cloud is hanging over you. Would it not be correct for you and your country that you step aside and clear your name before taking the assignment?” inquired Yusuf.
In response, Maangi admitted his directorship in the company under scrutiny but pointed out its legal status as a separate entity.
“It will be up to the committee and parliament to decide if I’m suitable for the Kampala role once they consider the matter,” he said.
He shifted responsibility for any wrongdoing to the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director, expressing confidence in his innocence and readiness to fulfill his diplomatic duties.
“I am 100 percent confident that I am innocent; this was a witch-hunt,” Maangi said during the hearing. “I am a good citizen and ready to take up my assignment.”
Also Read: EACC Goes After Govt Officials with More Than One Position
About Maangi
Prior to his nomination, Maangi had previously served as a Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) until the High Court invalidated the positions.
His political career also included two terms as Kisii County Deputy Governor from 2013 to 2022.
Among those vetted alongside Maangi was Catherine Kirumba Karemu, widow of the late Nyeri Governor Wahome Gakuru, who appeared before the committee as a nominee for Kenya’s High Commissioner to London.
Kirumba disclosed her net worth to be Sh250 million during her session with the committee.
Consequently, Maangi disclosed his net worth to be Sh690 million during his vetting session before the National Assembly Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee.
