Former Kenya Power officials face charges in Ksh.150M tender scandal

Seven senior Kenya Power officials are facing charges related to economic crimes connected to the loss of over Ksh.150 million at the State corporation.

Harun Karisa, the former General Manager of Finance and Eng. Daniel Ochieng Muga, the former Acting Head of Supply Chain, are among the seven individuals involved.

The remaining suspects include Engineers Dr. Noah Ogano Omondi, John Mwaura Njehia and Evelyne Pauline Amondi, all of whom are former members of Kenya Power's Tender Evaluation Committee.  

James Kariuki and Bernard Muturi, other former members of the same committee, complete the list of suspects.

During the hearing on Thursday, Milimani Anti-Corruption Magistrate Victor Wakumile expressed that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) "had made out a prima facie case" meaning that they have to stand trial and answer to the charges leveled against them.

"The Anti-Corruption court at Milimani found the seven senior Kenya Power and Lighting Company employees with a case to answer over economic crimes related to loss of over Ksh.150 million," the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said in a statement on X.

"They face charges of conspiracy to commit an offence of economic crime, willful failure to comply with laws related to procurement and abuse of office."

The prosecution likewise informed the court that the accused exercised negligence during the tender-awarding process, which resulted in the prequalification of bidders despite significant irregularities and improper payments totaling Ksh.150 million to contractors.

The court will provide further directions on the matter on October 15, 2024, when the accused are expected to outline their defense strategies.