This archive report was first published on 4 December 2019.
It has been three months since Citizen TV aired the explosive corruption exposé, the Mara Heist, which revealed dark secrets of official corruption at the Maasai Mara University in Narok.
Despite the damning report, no suspect has been arrested or charged with any crime, leaving the university in a state of uncertainty.
A team from Citizen TV revisited the Mara Heist in search of answers, visiting the university on Monday to meet with the acting VC Prof. Kitche Magak and the chairperson of the university council Dr. Samuel Ochola.
After a 1 hour 15 minute wait, the university administration joined the Citizen TV team in the boardroom, but instead of a one-on-one interview, they invited other local journalists to the session.
Prof. Magak explained that the interview was organized by Mr. Mwaura and that he had chosen to open it up for everyone because a story is best when it is shared with everyone.
Mr. Anaclet Biket Okumu, the Finance Officer and one of the personas of interest in the Mara Heist scandal, was also present and explained that the university had minimized cash handling, with the maximum withdrawal now being Ksh.100,000 and requiring express approval from the VC.
However, when questioned about why the financial steps were not happening earlier, Okumu replied that the payments were supported and followed specific standard operating procedures.
The university had no clear answers, but the team wanted to know more about the council's activities and the actions taken in the university since the story aired.
The slow pace of investigations at the university council was astonishing, with the council being the highest decision-making organ at the institution and responsible for approving the university's budget and mobilizing resources.
Despite the DCI recommending the prosecution of Prof. Mary Walingo and eight others, the DPP has yet to prosecute any of the suspects, leaving the university in a state of uncertainty.
Education CS George Magoha confirmed that he had received a letter from the DCI and had instructed the chair of council to reinstate Prof. Mohamed Abdille, who had been suspended by the council.
Prof. Magak also confirmed that Prof. Abdille had been suspended by the council, but the reason for his suspension was already in court and could not be discussed.
