Eight Tana River officials charged with fraud in Sh9 million irregular procurement freed on bail
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission apprehended the suspects following an investigation into procurement malpractices.
A court in Hola has released eight officials of the Tana River County government accused of fraud and violating procurement regulations on bond.
Senior Principal Magistrate Edward Too granted each suspect a Sh300,000 cash bail or an alternative surety bond of Sh500,000.
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The officials, among them senior and retired officers, are accused of irregularly awarding a Sh9 million tender during the 2016/2017 financial year.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) apprehended the suspects following an investigation into procurement malpractices.
Key individuals charged include former Public Service Chief Officer Fatma Zahra, current Lamu County Director of Procurement Abashora Swaleh, Public Works Building Inspector Ali Dhidha, and former Senior Supply Chain Management Officer Issa Funani Berhe.
Other accused are procurement officers Mohammed Nasteh and Kevin Simiyu Wafula, alongside Public Works Inspector Fatuma Napasha and a director of Al-Karim Agencies, the firm that secured the contentious fencing contract for the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) office and staff quarters.
Six other suspects failed to appear in court. Prosecutor Elijah Oruko requested a summons be issued against them, arguing they had been adequately informed.
But the defence counsel said the missing individuals were unaware of the proceedings. The court scheduled their plea-taking for January 30, 2025.
The prosecution alleges the accused conspired to irregularly adjudicate a tender for Al-Karim General Construction Company Limited, despite the company not meeting mandatory requirements.
Charges include forging a National Construction Authority letter and tax compliance certificate to secure the bid.
Fatma Zahra, in her role as chief officer of public administration, faces accusations of awarding an unbudgeted tender and initiating procurement without a plan. Other committee members are alleged to have deliberately favoured the contractor during the bidding process.
The case will be mentioned on January 30, 2025.
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