This archive report was first published on 20 August 2019.
On August 20, 2019, Director of Criminal Investigations George Kinoti arrived at Mombasa port to lead an investigation into corruption allegations.
Unannounced, Kinoti joined a team of investigators from his office who had been camping at the port since the previous Tuesday. The team began scrutinizing tender documents associated with recent multi-billion projects.
According to a source privy to the investigation, several top managers were asked to surrender their official laptops for scrutiny. Local police were locked out of the probe, a departure from the usual practice where visiting investigators report to the local police headquarters for logistical assistance.
"Senior managers are in a panic," the source revealed, explaining that many officials at the port were unaware of the probe due to the lack of information about who had issued the detectives with passes to enter the port.
The investigation is focused on the procurement department, with reports indicating that the detectives are looking into loopholes in port systems that enable goods to be smuggled through it.
Specific concerns include the recent theft of petroleum at the Kilindini Oil Terminal and the release of impounded cooking oil worth Sh10 billion. The investigators are also questioning Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Kenya Bureau of Standards staff over smuggling claims involving contraband sugar and drugs.
When contacted, Kinoti confirmed the presence of a special team of investigators at the port, describing the investigation as "massive and extensive" without elaborating.
