The Judiciary/ FILE
Several corruption-related cases involving current and former public officials will come before courts across Kenya this week, with hearings, mentions and a ruling scheduled in matters being pursued by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
According to the EACC court diary for August 17 to 21, the cases involve allegations ranging from bribery and abuse of office to conflict of interest, unlawful acquisition of public property, money laundering and procurement violations.
One of the key matters is the case involving former Murang’a Governor Francis Mwangi wa Iria and eight others, who face charges including conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, unlawful acquisition of public property, conflict of interest and money laundering.
The allegations relate to a contract worth Sh351.1 million that was awarded by the county government to Top Image Media Consultants Limited. The case is scheduled for hearing at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on August 17.
On August 18, the same court will hear a suit involving Nairobi City County Government employee Peter Analo Akivaga and Esther Gathoni Kiguoya. The case seeks to prohibit the withdrawal of Sh2.2 million held in the respondents’ bank accounts pending investigations into allegations including conflict of interest, abuse of office, bribery and possession of unexplained assets.
A mention involving former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Kioki Sonko and another person will also be held at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on August 18. They face a conflict of interest charge relating to the award of a Sh10 million contract for revenue collection services for the Nairobi City County Government.
On August 19, the Kitale Law Court will hear the case against Ben Wanjala Wanyonyi, an employee of the Trans Nzoia County Government, who is charged with providing false information to the EACC. The allegations relate to the use of a falsified certificate to secure employment.
At the Garissa Law Court on August 20, Assistant County Commissioner for Tana North Sub-County Teddy Bonaya will face a hearing on charges of abuse of office. The allegations concern the theft of relief food worth Sh472,000 belonging to the sub-county.
The same court will also deliver a ruling on August 20 in the case against Kenya Wildlife Service employee Jimnah Somoire Pertet, who is charged with receiving a bribe allegedly demanded to fill out a compensation claim form for people injured by wildlife.
Another hearing at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on August 20 involves former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission CEO Humphrey Obanda Oswago and two others. They are charged with wilful failure to comply with applicable procurement procedures and guidelines in a case involving allegations of bribery linked to the purchase of ballot papers for General Elections and some by-elections.
