Today in Mombasa, the spotlight is on former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala and former Principal Secretary Leah Adda Gwiyo as they face allegations of procurement irregularities in connection with the construction of a college in Kilifi.
The duo, alongside Joseph Odero, a consultant from an engineering firm, was apprehended yesterday by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). Following a night in custody, they were transported to Kilifi this morning, where they are set to appear in court. Balala is confronting ten charges linked to accusations that the Tourism Fund improperly disbursed Sh8.5 billion for establishing the Coast branch of Kenya Utalii College, subsequently renamed Ronald Ngala Utalii College.
The EACC, in a released statement, clarifies that the arrests stem from their investigation into the improper payment of Sh8.5 billion from the Tourism Fund. Out of this amount, Sh4 billion allegedly went to Baseline Architects Limited for consultancy services related to the proposed Ronald Ngala Utalii College in Vipingo, Kilifi County. Sources indicate that the EACC submitted a report to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) two weeks ago, recommending charges against a total of sixteen individuals implicated in the case. Notable figures include Rotich, Morris Njue, Dominic Motanya, and Rebman Malala.
The accused have been detained and processed at the Integrity Centre Police Station. The charges they face include offences such as failure to comply with procurement laws, unlawful acquisition of public property, and abuse of office. Notably, during Balala’s tenure, the contractor for the project was Mulji Devral and Brothers Company.
Initially supervised by Kenya Utalii College, the project was later transferred to the Ministry of Tourism. The government’s intent behind the construction of this modern complex was to alleviate the strain on Utalii College in Nairobi, offering state-of-the-art facilities including contemporary kitchens, sports amenities, and conference rooms.
The project budgeted for…
The project budgeted for Kshs 1.9B but several suspects colluded and inflect the cost to Kshs 8.9B though at the end they all be let free as usual. Now the project is yet to complete after 15 years from its initiation. This is due to corruption and competition between EACC and Judicial at large.
Kwanza, Ndugu yetu Samoei…
Kwanza, Ndugu yetu Samoei Cherop Ruto ashikwe kabla mtu yeyote nchini hajashikwa.
Anzeni na wezi wa COVID &…
Anzeni na wezi wa COVID & EUROBOND wakiongozwa na jamii ya Ngina,Wanjigi,Mutahi,,Murathe etc.Wafuatane na wauzaji wa methanol huko Mt.Kenya region,Joho & Raila(aliyepia muuzaji wa mahindi yenye zumu),afuatane na MPs(wa leo ama zamani) yeyote aliyejiongeza mushahara,awe ni Uhuru,Ruto,Wangari na ata mizoga Kamau,Torroitich,Mwai etc.Musisahau wezi Zulu Kindero na Bandi.
The most corrupt creature in…
The most corrupt creature in Kenya is Ruto himself. First arrest Ruto before you start running to small fish! It is quite annoying to have Ruto start harassing Kenyans for no apparent reason! If there is someone who belong to jail for corruption and theft is Ruto and Gachagua! The two are the worst thieves in Kenya!
“…and so probably the way…
“…and so probably the way forward is for the young people in Britain to learn about what their forefathers did in other parts of the world so as not to repeat the same.” – Professor Muriuki – History, Nairobi University. https://youtu.be/K4sSGd2w_rk?si=gBVNoxB8Nx22WlLB “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana.