NAIROBI, Kenya — The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved corruption charges against nine individuals and three companies following investigations into alleged procurement fraud, conflict of interest and money laundering involving contracts awarded by the Nakuru County Government.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said the decision followed an independent review of an inquiry file submitted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
According to the DPP, the inquiry relates to alleged corruption, procurement irregularities, conflict of interest, money laundering and acquisition of proceeds of crime linked to procurement undertaken by the County Government of Nakuru.
The individuals approved for prosecution are Lorna Karamuta Mubichi, Daniel Wainaina, Kennedy Mungai, Timothy Kiogora Murithi, Josphat Kimemia, Peter Gitau Thabanja, Solomon Sirma, Kenneth Muriithi Ndubi and Brian Mwenda Ndubi.
The three companies named in the case are Denken Building and Construction Limited, Murinchamba Investment Limited and Windcom Solutions Limited.
The DPP said the review established that there is sufficient evidence to prosecute the suspects on multiple offences, including conflict of interest, money laundering, acquisition of proceeds of crime, wilful failure to comply with procurement laws, and engaging in corrupt and fraudulent practices in procurement proceedings.
“Upon an independent and thorough review of the inquiry file, the DPP established that there is sufficient evidence to charge the suspects,” the statement said.
Consequently, the DPP directed that all the accused persons and the implicated companies be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction.
The approval comes after the EACC concluded investigations into alleged irregular procurement involving contracts valued at more than Sh120 million, which investigators claim were awarded through companies linked to the spouse of a serving county official, creating an alleged conflict of interest.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions reiterated its commitment to enforcing accountability in the management of public resources.
“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions remains committed to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding public resources, promoting integrity in public procurement, and ensuring accountability where criminal conduct is established through investigations,” the ODPP said.
