Celebrations broke out in Kilifi town yesterday, following reports that Director of Public Prosecution Keriako Tobiko had terminated an anti-corruption probe against Governor Amason Jefwa Kingi.

Also celebrating was Ambassador Ali Chirau Mwakwere, whose case was also dropped due to lack of enough evidence.

Hundreds of locals jammed the governor’s official residence, which has been subject of investigation and later marched on the streets celebrating the DPP’s conclusion (see photo).

Kingi addressed the supporters and later held a rally at Marafa Sub-County, where he proclaimed victory against political rivals he claimed framed him and placed his name in the List of Shame.

On Friday, Tobiko returned a report of findings declaring that the Sh140 million costs was reasonable and that procurement regulations were not infringed and therefore Kingi was free of any charge.

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Procurement laws

The DPP’s report declares that “procurement laws and regulations had been complied with, that the purchase price of Sh140million was reasonable and was not inflated,” and concludes that in the entire process, Kilifi county government suffered “no quantifiable monetary loss.”

But the DPP recommends “stern” administrative and disciplinary action against the County Secretary for the Kilifi county government when the house was bought, in the 2013/2014 fiscal year, Evaluation and Tender Committee and Head of the Treasury (accounting) for alleged dereliction of duty over the tender in question. Kingi said he was incorruptible.

“I have now been vindicated. This house belongs to you the people of Kilifi and will be occupied by all future governors,” said Kingi.

Graft case

And the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission cleared and recommended that the graft case against suspended Kenyan ambassador to Tanzania Chirau Mwakwere be closed for lack of evidence.

He was also grilled over what he knows about the Standard Gauge Railways, which is under construction. This is because he initiated the SGR in 2010. He was grilled last month at EACC.
The Commission told Tobiko to close the case on Friday in files sent there.

“I received the file on Mwakwere recommending the closure of the case. I have received 14 files so far from the commission,” said Tobiko.