Peter Gitaa Koria, the suspended Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bomas of Kenya, has been acquitted of charges related to procurement irregularities amounting to Ksh. 8.6 million. The court ruled that the prosecution had failed to present enough evidence to support the allegations against him, clearing Koria of any wrongdoing in the procurement process.
Koria had been facing accusations of improperly awarding public tenders for kitchen items, utensils, plates, cups, cutlery, and related goods. These tenders, which included Quotation No. 15 (Kitchen Items), Quotation No. 16 (Utensils), Quotation No. 17 (Kitchen Items), Quotation No. 18 (Plates & Cups), and Quotation No. 19 (Cutlery & Other Items), were allegedly not included in Bomas of Kenya’s Budget and Procurement Plan for the 2020/2021 financial year. This raised concerns about the legality and transparency of the procurement process.
However, in a ruling that came as a relief to Koria, the court found no evidence of malice or intent to defraud in the procurement procedures. The judge noted that the tenders were processed according to the established guidelines, and there was no indication of financial mismanagement or unlawful conduct.
The court’s decision comes after a lengthy legal battle, during which Koria was suspended from his position as CEO. His suspension had raised questions about the internal governance at Bomas of Kenya, a key cultural institution, known for promoting Kenya’s diverse heritage through performances and events. While Koria has now been acquitted, the question of whether he will be reinstated as CEO remains uncertain, as no official statement has been made by the institution regarding his return to office.
The case had attracted considerable public attention, as it highlighted concerns over accountability and transparency in public institutions. However, with the court’s ruling, the focus will likely shift towards strengthening procurement processes to prevent similar allegations in the future.
