Edible oil scam: Senator raises red flag over evidence tampering

Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute. [File, Standard]

Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute has raised concerns over alleged tampering with evidence in the investigation of the fraudulent loss of more than Sh6.5 billion at the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) in the edible oil scandal.

Chute has sought a statement from the Senate Justice and Legal Affairs Committee on the status of the ongoing investigation after taxpayers’ funds were lost in unclear circumstances.

The senator who raised the matter on the floor of the Senate on Thursday last week said the Directorate of Criminal Investigation and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission have been investigating the matter for fraud and potentially other offences. Some KNTC members have already been dismissed.

“I am reliably informed of the ongoing tampering with evidence. This is improper and continues to raise eyebrows on the retention of staff involved in the fraudulent loss of more than Sh6.5 billion at the corporation,” Chutes said. 

The senator is seeking an investigation into the KNTC board resolution leading to the dismissal of members of staff and those who remained.

Members of staff

“The Senate should be furnished with details of how KNTC board determined dismissals and retentions of members of staff; investigate why those who may be involved in the scam are still in office,” said Chute.

The senator told the House it was important that the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee direct that the members of staff of the corporation mentioned of being likely involved in the loss of the taxpayers’ funds step aside to allow investigations. 

A supermarket attendant helps a customer shop for cooking oil in a supermarket. [File, Standard]

Senators had last year raised questions on whether there was enough edible oil imported into the country after the management of Kenya National Trading Corporation failed to open its warehouse for members of the Senate Trade Committee who were on a fact-finding mission.

The Trade Committee members led by their chairman, Lenku Seki, expressed displeasure over the failure by the corporation’s management to open the warehouse when they toured the facility in December last year to confirm that there was enough edible oil for use in the country.

Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa said that they had put on hold other activities and visited the warehouse because the Trade Cabinet Secretary could not confirm whether he had visited the warehouse and that they have a responsibility to tell Kenyans the truth about the matter.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah said that they were treated casually by the corporation’s management when they visited the KNTC premises to establish the truth about the existence of edible oil imported into the country despite the committee members having other activities for the day.

“We cannot accept to be treated casually by Kenya National Trading Corporation management yet we are the representatives of the people.

‘‘I will have no other option but to walk out of this premise if this committee has another agenda. I was prepared to ask the corporation’s management questions,” said Omtatah.