20 governors on anti-graft agency probe list

By CYRUS OMBATI and GEOFFREY MOSOKU

Nairobi, Kenya: Close to 20 governors are being investigated over corruption related issues in counties by the anti-graft agency.

Among those under the radar of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) are county chiefs who have been publicising various assets such cars that they have bought for the devolved units.

In one case, sources say, EACC has seized documents indicating a governor from Central Kenya withdrew Sh67 million in cash in two tranches after writing to a bank to arrange the cash.

The county boss had requested the money to be paid to a contractor but was advised by the bank to do it in writing and give at least a two-day notice, which he duly did.

The anti-corruption watchdog revealed yesterday it had received complaints from various parties touching on the counties.

Investigators are concentrating on procurement irregularities and nepotism that are rampant in the affected areas. The commission is also looking at procurement of security cars, ambulances and vehicles executives without following procurement rules in most of these counties.

EACC Vice-Chairperson Irene Keino yesterday confirmed the probe but refused to divulge details and the nature of the investigations.

“We have received many complaints on procurement irregularities and employment of staff. Our investigators are actively on these cases,” said Keino. She said their preliminary findings had shown there is a high rate of nepotism, irregularities in procurement, double employment and the problem of ghost workers.

“Most of the counties have also not addressed the issue of gender and disability in their recruitment,” she said.

Allaying perceptions

Speaking to The Standard, Ms Keino said the commission supports devolution and took her time to allay perceptions being used to silence governors and in the end negatively affect devolution.

She said the buck stops with governors who are accounting officers of counties.

Keino said if devolution succeeds, Kenya will achieve Vision 2030 and empower many, hence the need for proper management of counties.

The commission will later close the files and forward them to the Director of Public Prosecutions with various recommendations.

Keino said the anti-graft agency had realised there is lack of consideration of priority and studies to use as a basis and procedure in acquiring goods and services in counties.

She asked county leaders to ensure procedures are followed in procuring goods and services. This is because they came to office when there were no structures and they inherited corrupt staff.

She said EACC has been meeting various county leaders for training sessions on how to seal corruption loopholes. The commission’s move to advise the county leaders is based on a corruption survey index conducted two years ago.

The index named Machakos, Nairobi, Uasin Gishu, Meru, Bungoma, Kakamega and Makueni as the most corrupt counties.

“These are the counties that we have been visiting and advised leaders on how they can address the menace.”

In its visits, EACC has been advising the counties to form anti-corruption committees, which will be trained by the commission.  She said the agency intends to open active offices in 30 counties to help in the war against graft.

Last month, the Auditor General’s report questioned procurement and expenditure in many counties, among them Machakos, whose Governor, Dr Alfred Mutua, has denied any claims of graft.