The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has made significant strides in curbing corruption within the public sector with the arrest of two former Chief Officers from Isiolo County. Giro Liban and Kenneth Turibu Maorwe were apprehended on Tuesday and charged with engaging in a multimillion-shilling tender fraud. The arrests follow an investigation that revealed irregularities in the procurement process, leading to the misappropriation of Ksh.163.4 million.
Allegations and Investigations
According to the EACC, the two suspects were involved in a scheme to supply goods and services that were never delivered. They had contracted Dabasiti Contractors and Suppliers Limited to provide food items and car hire services to Isiolo County Government, despite not having a valid procurement plan or budget for these transactions. This action, which circumvented proper procurement procedures, raised serious concerns among the public and within the government.
An audit carried out by the Auditor General and the Pending Bills Verification Task Force Committee (PBVC) uncovered discrepancies in the payment of Ksh.163.4 million, which was classified as a pending bill. The investigation revealed that the county government had settled these bills without the goods or services being rendered, which contravenes procurement regulations and the principle of value for money in public expenditure. This situation prompted further scrutiny and ultimately led to the involvement of the EACC.
Process and Findings
EACC’s investigations highlighted that the suspects lacked a procurement plan, yet the tender process continued to proceed. This irregularity prompted concerns over transparency and accountability in Isiolo’s governance. The probe also revealed that the procurement process was not in compliance with the Public Procurement and Disposal Act, which requires stringent adherence to procedures to prevent corruption and ensure fair competition.
Upon arrest, Giro Liban and Kenneth Turibu Maorwe were taken to the EACC’s Upper Eastern Regional Offices in Isiolo for questioning. They were subsequently arraigned before Chief Magistrate Lucy Mutai and pleaded not guilty to eight counts of willful failure to comply with procurement laws and four counts of abuse of office. The magistrate granted each of the accused a Ksh.1 million cash bail and a bond of a similar amount, allowing them to remain free pending the hearing of their case. The case is scheduled for mention on December 23, 2024, with the actual hearing slated for February 26, 2025.
Broader Implications
This case highlights ongoing challenges in Kenya’s public procurement system, where loopholes and lax oversight continue to facilitate corruption. It underscores the need for robust mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to procurement laws at all levels of government. The EACC’s swift action in this case is seen as a positive step towards curbing corruption and restoring public trust in the government’s handling of public resources.
The outcome of this case will be closely watched by the public and officials alike, as it could set a precedent for handling similar corruption cases in the future. It also reflects the broader efforts of the government to strengthen the procurement process and mitigate risks of corruption in public contracts.
Future Outlook
The EACC’s investigation into the Isiolo County tender scam is a reminder that corruption in public procurement remains a significant challenge in Kenya. As investigations continue and the judicial process unfolds, it is hoped that this case will not only lead to justice for those affected but also prompt reforms in how public tenders are managed in the future. The outcome of the trial on February 26, 2025, will likely provide insights into the effectiveness of current anti-corruption measures and whether more stringent regulations are needed to prevent such large-scale fraud from recurring.
In the meantime, public officials and citizens alike are urged to remain vigilant and demand accountability in the use of public resources. As Kenya strives to achieve better governance and curb corruption, cases like this serve as a critical test of the country’s commitment to transparency and integrity in public procurement.
