MPs call for removal of KEBS boss Esther Ngari over Sh429 million fraud allegations
The MPs expressed outrage after Ngari failed to appear before them to respond to corruption allegations and queries on the importation of contaminated goods.
Members of the National Assembly have demanded the resignation of Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Managing Director Esther Ngari, citing grave concerns over alleged mismanagement, forgery, and loss of public funds amounting to Sh429 million.
The MPs expressed outrage after Ngari failed to appear before them to respond to corruption allegations and queries on the importation of contaminated goods.
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The Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Committee, chaired by Shinyalu MP Bernard Shinali, on Monday accused Ngari of failing in her duty to protect Kenyans from substandard and dangerous goods.
The MPs were unanimous that her absence from the meeting, despite confirming attendance, demonstrated contempt and disregard for the institution of Parliament.
“She requested the committee to appoint a date of her choice but decided not to appear even after the committee agreed to her date of choice,” Shinali said.
“She fails to appear to respond to issues without any regrets and is not even responding to inquiries from the Clerk’s office,” he added.
The committee warned that if she continues to snub the summons, they will ask the Inspector General of Police to arrest and present her before them.
The committee has also summoned Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui and Trade Principal Secretary Alfred K’Ombudo to appear before it alongside the embattled MD.
Accusations
According to documents submitted to the committee, allegedly authored by KEBS staff, the agency is accused of forgery, falsifying documents, and engaging in unprocedural procurement, payments, hiring and allowing contaminated rice into the country. These revelations further fuelled the MPs' anger.
“We shall not just sit and watch as Kenya becomes a dumping ground for substandard and contaminated goods. It is sad that the management of KEBS doesn’t care for the health of Kenyans,” Shinali said.
Aldai MP and committee vice-chairperson Marianne Kitany expressed concern over the rise in cancer cases in the country, which she linked to the consumption of unsafe foods allowed into the market due to KEBS's negligence.
“The reason we have many cases of cancer today is because of the things that we are consuming as they do not adhere to the safety standards,” Kitany said.
“KEBS is a public entity that ensures Kenyans are protected as they consume goods and services in the country. The MD ought to have at least appeared before us to respond to the serious allegations. Kenyans need to know if they are safe consuming what they are consuming,” she added.
Disrespect to public
Kajiado South MP Samuel Parashina said that Ngari’s failure to attend the session showed disrespect to the public and called for her immediate resignation.
“We are telling them to come here because the public is mandated to check and to play the opposite role and to defend the public. If they are not here, Chair, I want to talk to my colleagues. The first thing that they did was to be told to step aside,” Parashina said.
“I know there are people that believe they have protection from the above. But the life of Kenyans is more important than protection from the Minister or even from any other person from this country,” he added.
Kuresoi MP Alfred Mutai echoed his sentiments, stating that the serious nature of the allegations made Ngari’s continued stay in office untenable.
Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo said Ngari had broken the law by ignoring Parliament’s invitation, warning that the committee may be forced to invoke police intervention.
Final summons
“So, obviously now with this failure to appear, and noting the gravity of the accusations levelled against KEBS and the MD, Parliament will have to seek the approval of the Speaker, and indeed issue the final summons,” Oundo said.
“And if she continues to defy, then as provided in the Standing Order, we might have to ask the police to compel her to appear in person. And I think, Chair, we need to pick up this matter. But this is contempt. And it’s a disrespect to the institution of Parliament,” he added.
Masinga MP Joshua Mwalyo also criticised Ngari’s conduct, saying she was deliberately avoiding accountability. Gichugu MP Robert Gichimu said her actions amounted to an insult to Parliament.
“For the MD to fail to show up despite assuring us that she will do so is very unfortunate. Actually, it’s a very grievous disregard to Parliament because this committee is an extension of Parliament,” Gichimu said.
The MPs said they would continue pursuing the matter until Ngari responds to the allegations and called on other relevant agencies to take action.
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