Graft: EACC hints at arrest of former Cabinet secretary
A former Cabinet secretary, a permanent secretary and former top officials of the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA), who took part in procurement and construction of the Sh4.1 billion LBDA Mall in Kisumu, are likely to face arrest over irregularities in the tendering process.
Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) yesterday said it had completed investigations into the mall construction and forwarded the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji for consideration.
The agency said 90 people, who took part in the deal, have recorded statements either as suspects or witnesses.
EACC added that they are addressing gaps pointed out by the DPP before he gives his final recommendations on the matter. “Soon the DPP’s file will be made public,” he said.
Without revealing the names of those likely to face arrest, EACC director of investigations Abdi Mohamud said they received a report alleging irregularities spanning the entire process that began on July 28, 2015.
Appearing before the Committee on Devolution, Mohamud said the investigations touched on procurement of consultancy services, award and execution of the construction tender, among others.
Expedite probe
EACC’s decision came after representatives from the offices of the Auditor General Edward Ouko and Attorney General Paul Kihara said there were irregularities in how the tender was procured.
During the committee session, Kisumu Senator Fred Outa said: “The record is there from who was the first chairman, the MD, the CS and PS. Why have they not been summoned over the matter?”
Migori Senator Ochillo Ayacko told EACC to speed up the investigations.
The initial cost of constructing the mall had been capped at Sh2.5 billion, but later changed to Sh3.8 billion.
