Tharaka Nithi governor surrenders self to EACC

Tharaka Nithi Governr Muthomi Njuki has surrendered to the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission, reports say.



The embattled governor surrendered on Monday morning and arrived at the commission’s Intergrity House headquarters for processing/



The latest comes just days after the Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji ordered his arrest over the irregular award of a KSh34M tender.



According to the DPP, Westomaxx Investments Limited, a company that had submitted fraudulent documents, was awarded the tender at a cost of KSh34,998,500.00.



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 KSh3, 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,” the DPP added.



Haji now wants the following individuals arrested and charged with various crimes:



Onesmus Muthomi Njuki – Governor, Tharaka Nithi CountyFridah Muthoni Murungi – Chief Officer Environment and Natural ResourcesFloridah Kiende Nywigah – Acting Director, ProcurementHighton Muriithi Njue – Finance OfficerTeresia Kagoji Mburia – Finance OfficerArch. Lee Mwenda Munene – Department of Roads, Infrastructure and HousingJaphet Mutugi Nkonge – Procurement OfficerEmily Nkatha Micheni – Procurement OfficerMike Mwiandi Muriithi – AccountantElosy Kariithi Matti – OfficerKenneth Muguiya Ngai – Director, Westomaxx Investments Ltd/Kenstar Electricals and Hardware LtdCaroline Sheila Wambui – Director, Westomaxx Investments Ltd/Kenstar Electricals and Hardware LtdAllan Muriithi Gitonga – Director, Gentech Suppliers LtdGeorge Miano – Businessman