DPP orders arrest of Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki over irregular award of Ksh.34M tender

DPP orders arrest of Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki over irregular award of Ksh.34M tender

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 audit trail of the monies paid to Westomaxx Investments Limited by the Tharaka Nithi County Government reportedly revealed that it was wired to; Japhet Gitonga Nyange (Ksh. 8.7 million), Kenneth Mucuiya Ngai (Ksh. 5.2 million), Kenstar Electrical and Hardware Limited (Ksh. 4.7 million), and Caroline Sheila Wimbui (Ksh. 0.985 million).

“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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DPP Noordin Haji Governor Muthomi Njuki Westomaxx Investments Limited

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