Former KNTC Employees Charged with Abuse of Office and Procurement Violations

On Tuesday, two former employees of the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) were formally charged in the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court with serious offenses related to procurement law violations and abuse of office. Pamela Nduku Mutua, the former Managing Director, and Amos Juma Sikuku, the former Supply Chain and Logistics Manager, face significant legal consequences for their alleged misconduct.

Pamela Nduku Mutua, who served as the Managing Director and Accounting Officer at KNTC, is accused of five counts of Wilful Failure to Comply with Procurement Laws. According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Mutua failed to report to the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) after issuing Notifications of Awards to several companies, including Purma Holdings Limited, Multi Commerce FZC, Standard Petroleum LLC, and Makram Imports & Exports. The allegations suggest that Mutua did not secure the necessary approvals before proceeding with the procurement of bulk commodities, thus breaching procurement regulations.

Amos Juma Sikuku, who held the position of Supply Chain and Logistics Manager, is charged with issuing a prejudicial professional opinion in a tender related to the procurement of bulk commodities. The ODPP alleges that Sikuku’s actions compromised the interests and rights of the Republic, raising concerns about the integrity of the procurement process at KNTC.

The charges against Mutua and Sikuku stem from their alleged misconduct between November 8, 2022, and December 5, 2022. The prosecution, led by Wesley Nyamache and Delroy Mwasaru, argues that their actions constituted a significant breach of trust and procurement laws designed to ensure transparency and fairness in public procurement.

During the court proceedings, both accused individuals pleaded not guilty to the charges. Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki granted Pamela Nduku Mutua bail set at KSh 1.5 million or a bond of KSh 5 million with one surety of the same amount. In contrast, Amos Juma Sikuku received bail of KSh 500,000 or a bond of KSh 1 million. Both accused were also ordered to deposit their passports with the court and were cautioned against interfering with prosecution witnesses.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts by Kenyan authorities to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law within public institutions. The prosecution’s rigorous pursuit of accountability reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that public officials adhere to established regulations and act in the best interests of the nation.

The pre-trial conference for this case is scheduled for August 12, 2024, where further proceedings will determine the next steps in the legal process. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the integrity of public procurement practices and the broader fight against corruption in Kenya.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the public and stakeholders will be closely watching to see how the case impacts KNTC’s procurement processes and the broader public sector’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability.