Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji has ordered the arrest and prosecution of Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki a well as various county officials over the irregular award of a solid waste project contract worth over Ksh. 34 million.
According to the DPP, Westomaxx Investments Limited, a company that had submitted fraudulent documents, was awarded the tender at a cost of Ksh.34,998,500.00.
A contract for the supply, installation and commissioning of an incinerator was hence entered into between the Chief Officer Environment, Fridah Muthoni, and Westomaxx Investments Limited and the contractor issued with an LPO before the expiry of 14 days following the giving of a notification contrary to the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015.
Westomaxx Investments Limited then installed an incinerator they had procured from Generation Electronic & Allied Company Limited, a company which – as stated by the DPP – is associated with Governor Njuki.
Generation Electronic & Allied Co. Ltd had reportedly imported the generator to Kenya at a cost of Ksh.3, 879, 945.30.
“The fraud at the County, Government was perpetrated by the county officials at the Procurement Department and Finance Department who disregarded the procurement laws and procedures,” said DPP Haji.
“Due to the fraud involved in winning the tender, Westomaxx Investments Limited fraudulently acquired the said amount of Kshs 34,998,500.00 from the County Government of Tharaka Nithi.”
“The project was procured, implemented and commissioned without an Environmental Impact Assessment and before being licensed by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA),” the DPP added.
Haji now wants the following individuals arrested and charged with various crimes:
Onesmus Muthomi Njuki – Governor, Tharaka Nithi County
Fridah Muthoni Murungi – Chief Officer Environment and Natural Resources
Floridah Kiende Nywigah – Acting Director, Procurement
Highton Muriithi Njue – Finance Officer
Teresia Kagoji Mburia – Finance Officer
Arch. Lee Mwenda Munene – Department of Roads, Infrastructure and Housing
Japhet Mutugi Nkonge – Procurement Officer
Emily Nkatha Micheni – Procurement Officer
Mike Mwiandi Muriithi – Accountant
Elosy Kariithi Matti – Officer
Kenneth Muguiya Ngai – Director, Westomaxx Investments Ltd/Kenstar Electricals and Hardware Ltd
Caroline Sheila Wambui – Director, Westomaxx Investments Ltd/Kenstar Electricals and Hardware Ltd
Allan Muriithi Gitonga – Director, Gentech Suppliers Ltd
George Miano – Businessman
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