This archive report was first published on 29 July 2019.
Published on July 29, 2019, Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji ordered the arrest and prosecution of Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu over alleged irregular award of tenders worth over half a billion shillings.
Others to be arrested include Mr Waititu's wife, Susan Wangari Ndungu, director of Bienvenue Delta Hotel, Lucas Wahinya, chief officer roads, Kiambu County, and evaluation committee members Zakary Njenga Mbugua, Joyce Musyoka, Simon Kabocho, Anselm Gachukia, and Samuel Muigai.
Also to be arrested are Charles Chege and Beth Wangeci, both directors of Testimony Enterprises Ltd.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) had been investigating allegations of irregular procurement of a tender for the upgrading of various gravel roads to bituminous surface in Kiambu County, awarded to M/s Testimony Enterprises Ltd at Sh588,198,328 during the financial year 2017/2018.
It is alleged that the directors of M/s Testimony Enterprises were close associates of the governor, and that a total of Sh147,274,055 has already been paid to the company.
The firm was also awarded several other contracts amounting to over Sh74 million. Once the funds were paid from Kiambu County Government, a total of Sh25,624,500 was remitted to entities associated with the governor.
"Having independently reviewed the evidence in the inquiry file and the report, I am satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to sustain charges against the suspects," DPP Noordin Haji said in a statement.
The charges to be preferred include conflict of interest, abuse of office, wilful failure to comply with the law on procurement, engaging in fraudulent practices, fraudulent acquisition of property, and money laundering.
