The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved criminal charges against nine individuals, including several officials from the County Government of Nakuru, and three companies over alleged corruption, procurement irregularities, money laundering and acquisition of proceeds of crime linked to county procurement.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said the decision followed a review of an inquiry file submitted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which had investigated alleged irregularities in procurement undertaken by the county government.
According to the DPP, the inquiry implicated nine individuals and three companies in offences related to public procurement and financial crimes. "The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) received an inquiry file submitted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) concerning alleged corruption, conflict of interest, procurement irregularities, money laundering and acquisition of proceeds of crime involving nine individuals and three companies linked to procurement undertaken by the County Government of Nakuru," the statement said.
Those facing charges are Lorna Karamuta Mubichi, Daniel Wainaina, Kennedy Mungai, Timothy Kiogora Muriithi, Josphat Kimemia, Peter Gitau Thabanja and Solomon Sirma, all employees of the County Government of Nakuru. Also charged are Kenneth Muriithi Ndubi and Brian Mwenda Ndubi.
The implicated companies are Denken Building and Construction Limited, Murinchamba Investment Limited and Windcom Solutions Limited.
The ODPP said an independent and comprehensive review of the evidence established sufficient grounds to prosecute the suspects. "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.
The accused will face a range of offences, including conflict of interest, money laundering, acquisition of proceeds of crime, wilful failure to comply with procurement law, and engaging in corrupt and fraudulent practices in procurement proceedings.
According to the prosecution, the charges stem from procurement activities undertaken by the Nakuru County Government, although the statement did not disclose the value of the contracts or the period during which the alleged offences occurred.
Following the review, the DPP directed that all the accused persons, together with the three implicated companies, be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction.
"Consequently, the DPP has directed that all the accused persons and the implicated companies be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction," the statement said.
The decision marks the latest prosecution arising from investigations by the EACC into alleged corruption and procurement irregularities in county governments, as authorities intensify efforts to enhance accountability in the management of public resources.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law and safeguarding public funds through the prosecution of economic crimes.
"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.
The suspects are expected to appear in court to answer the charges, where the prosecution will present its case. Under Kenyan law, all accused persons are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.