EACC Cracks The Whip on Accountant Who hid Ksh. 1.9 Billion In His Home

Lady Justice Mumbi Ngugi has ordered the forfeiture of all unexplained assets belonging to an accountant, estimated to be in excess of Kshs. 65Million, back to the state. – By Gerald Gekara.

This is after Patrick Ochieno Abachi failed to prove the investments he had made were from genuine sources.

According to court documents, EACC received reports of irregularities in the procurement of eighteen (18) of the Anglo-Leasing type contracts made in 2007.

Among them was an allegation that payments were being made for goods and services not rendered to the Government of Kenya (GOK).

Investigations established that that the Ministry of Finance was making irregular and grossly inflated payments.

Between 2003-2007, Patrick Ochieno worked as an accountant at the Ministry of Finance. EACC investigations revealed he had acquired assets well beyond his known legitimate sources of income.

It was alleged that these had been acquired through corrupt conduct in connection with the Anglo-leasing contracts.

Investigations against Abachi were initiated and a search conducted at his house revealed cash in the sum of Kshs. 1,990,000.00 which was seized by EACC.

The sleuths also unearthed documents of titles to properties registered in his name and his agents/associates that were valued at Kshs. 80,840,000 (as of 2008).

Investigations confirmed that the properties acquired between 2002 and 2007, valued at Kshs. 80,840,000 were disproportionate to his known and legitimate sources of income. His gross salary was Kshs. 53,900 per month when his forfeiture suit was filed.

On 18-Sept. 2008, EACC initiated proceedings in the High Court seeking forfeiture to the State the unexplained assets against Patrick Ochieno Abachi, his wife Rosaline Wanjira Abachi, his relatives (brother and nephew) and companies in which he was the majority shareholder.