Former Garissa University principal charged with abuse of office over shady hostel project
The prosecution said Prof Mulaa submitted the project proposal with architectural drawings to the university council, but some department heads objected because the drawings hadn’t been approved by the Ministry of Public Works.
Former Garissa University College principal, Prof Francis Jackim Mulaa, has been charged with abuse of office contrary to Section 46, as read with Section 48(1), of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.
Prof. Mulaa appeared before Magistrate Isabellah Barasa at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court and denied the charges brought against him.
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According to the prosecution, during the 2013–2014 financial year, while serving as principal of Garissa University College—a constituent college of Moi University—Prof Mulaa initiated a project to construct a hostel block with a 750-student capacity.
The prosecution claims that he presented the project proposal, which included architectural drawings, to the university college council. However, several department heads raised concerns as the drawings had not been reviewed or approved by architects from the Ministry of Public Works.
Despite the objections, the prosecution alleges that Prof Mulaa proceeded to appoint Archipoint Consulting Architects as project managers and entered into a contract with them on April 24, 2014—bypassing the competitive procurement process required by law and public procurement regulations.
Additionally, a representative from Archipoint Consulting Architects reportedly sat on the tender evaluation committee without a valid appointment letter, effectively playing a dual role in the process, which the prosecution says violated the Public Procurement and Disposal Act.
Prof Mulaa requested lenient bond terms, and while the prosecution did not oppose his release, the court granted him a cash bail of Sh50,000 or an alternative bond of Sh500,000.
The case is scheduled for pretrial mention on August 19, 2025.
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