Former Government Advisor Ordered to Return Millions After Court Ruling
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has secured a court order requiring a former political advisor to Taita Taveta Governor John Murutu to repay over Ksh12 million. This is part of the commission’s ongoing fight against corruption.
EACC Chairman Abdi Mohamud highlighted that the successful legal action came after the commission challenged a case in court involving the former county official.
The individual was charged with misusing public funds, specifically an imprest—a type of advance payment for official expenses—which was illegally transferred to his own account.
These funds were originally meant for allowances for the Taita Taveta County Assembly members but were diverted by the accused.
The court found that the expenses submitted by the advisor were completely fabricated, with no legitimate activities to back them. As a result, the funds withdrawn were never used for their intended purpose.
“In a ruling issued by Voi Chief Magistrate Hon. Mildred Obura, the court determined that the individual had fraudulently acquired public funds by requesting imprest for non-existent activities while serving as a political advisor to the former Taita Taveta Governor, John Murutu,” stated Abdi Mohamud in a press release.
The court further ruled that the former advisor unjustly benefited from public funds, violating the law. As a result, the court ordered Mr. Kimonge to repay Ksh12,458,990, along with interest calculated at commercial rates from the date the funds were obtained until the debt is fully settled.
The total amount that must be returned to the government, including interest, comes to Ksh13,878,587. This amount reflects the commercial interest rates added to the original sum from the time of acquisition.
In August 2020, EACC launched an investigation after receiving a complaint alleging that Mr. Kimonge had fraudulently claimed Ksh13,878,587 in public funds under the guise of paying allowances for County Assembly members and staff. These funds were reportedly misappropriated during his tenure as the political advisor.
This latest action by the EACC comes shortly after the commission revealed other high-profile cases of graft in different counties, including Nairobi, Kitui, Migori, Kakamega, Bomet, and Baringo. Investigations uncovered that county officials in Nairobi had been involved in embezzling Ksh1 billion.
Specifically, a procurement officer at Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) received Ksh40 million from 14 companies that had business dealings with the county between the 2017/2018 and 2021/2022 financial years.
EACC’s investigation showed that a total of Ksh414 million was paid to these companies, and the funds were later used to acquire properties, including motor vehicles.
The commission continues its efforts to clamp down on corruption across the country, demonstrating a strong commitment to fighting graft and ensuring accountability.
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