Act on corruption at Nacada or I will quit, Jaguar says

Nacada Board member Charles Njagua,also know as Jaguar

The National Authority for Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) Board member Charles Njagua, popularly know as ‘Jaguar’ , has alleged massive corruption in the institution.

Jaguar, who was appointed into the board by the President barely a month ago, said he has been facing opposition for raising questions over loss and misappropriation of funds by the board. Speaking at a press conference at Nacada offices Monday, Jaguar said the board members and the Finance Committee were part of a corruption cartel.

“I have noticed various irregularities as a member of the Nacada board but when I reported to the board I was informed that the mode of operation is either to quit or turn a blind eye and be part of it,” he said.

Jaguar says the management has been making decisions without involving the board. Jaguar accused some board members of withdrawing Sh500 million without consultations and approval from all board members.

He said finance records of the money given to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) did not reflect what the groups received.

“Letters from the NGO board indicating that Nacada not only funded non-existing illegal and deregistered groups but the money sent to the NGOs as per the Nacada record does reflect with returns sent to NGOs,” Jaguar said. Jaguar now wants the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and Directorate of Criminal Investigations to probe the matter.

“If no action will be taken in two weeks, I will have no option but to resign. I cannot be part of these corruption cartels at Nacada,” he said.

Jaguar said he had a reputation to protect as a public figure, adding that being associated with graft would taint his name.

“I would rather open an NGO that I will use to help youths struggling with drugs rather than work in a corrupt institution,” he said.

Nacada Chairman John Mututho in an earlier interview said ‘fake’ non-governmental organisations colluded with dishonest officials to swindle the authority of Sh99 million.

Mututho said according to NGO board records, only three of the groups that qualified for the grant were in operation legally.

“We are investigating the NGOs that illegally acquired the money and action will be taken against them. We are asking them to refund the money and for Nacada officials who colluded with them to resign early before we catch up with them,” said Mututho.