Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Ltd (Ketraco) has suspended a procurement executive following the revelation of his multi-million shilling fortune.
Some of the flagged properties include 40 developed plots linked to bribes and kickbacks from State contractors.
The suspension, according to the state-owned electricity company, was prompted by media allegations that some assets belonging to Peter Maina Njehia had been frozen in the midst of a lawsuit over his unexplained fortune.
Despite knowing that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) was investigating Mr Njehia’s unexplained money obtained between 2010 and March this year, the firm kept him on the job.
"The firm is aware of the ongoing inquiries into this case and is fully working with appropriate investigative agencies," said Ketraco chairman Joe Mutambu in a statement prompted by media stories of Mr Njehia's mysterious fortune.
The valuation of the real estate empire, which comprises rental apartments, farms for commercial agriculture, and townhouses in Nairobi, Nakuru, and Nyandarua counties, was not disclosed by the agency.
Mr. Njehia is believed to have purchased eight automobiles and deposited millions of shillings in bank accounts.
On Tuesday, the anti-graft agency went to court and obtained orders freezing Sh58.5 million held in several SACCO accounts in Mr Njehia’s and his wife’s names.
The money will be frozen for six months while the investigation is completed, according to Justice Esther Maina.
Sh25.4 million in shares in two Stima Sacco accounts, Sh10 million in Unaitas, another Sh8.2 million in a different Unaitas account, and Sh930,000 in a dividend account at Unaitas are among the funds frozen.
Mr Njehia is accused of abusing his position at Ketraco and the Ministry of Transport, where he previously worked, to influence and award tenders.
The commission said it was looking into his close family members, including his wife Julie Hellen Matu, as well as linked firms.
“The respondent has illegally and irregularly engaged in the influence and award of tenders, procurement and payment of goods and services, which has seen him abuse his office, receive bribes, embezzle public funds and engage in corrupt conduct,” the EACC said in the petition filed before the anti-corruption division of the High court.
*This article was written by Gerald Gekara for Uzalendo News. Email: uzalendonews24@gmail.com to submit your story.
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