A former Nyandarua chief finance officer (CFO) who allegedly turned the county into a cash cow has been stopped from disposing his assets.
Justice Mumbi Ngugi also issued orders freezing the accounts of Michael Kamau Kuria, 37, following an application by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission alleging the former CFO embezzled Sh115 million and acquired properties worth Sh181 million within three years.
Mr Kuria, his wife Catherine Wanjiku Njeri, mother Agnes Wanjiku Kuria and business associate Henry Njoroge Gathiga were also dispossessed of four top-of-the-range vehicles.
“The four are prohibited whether by themselves or through persons acting on their behalf from disposing the listed properties, dealing with the motor vehicles or transferring the money in the accounts for a period of six months,” ruled Ngugi.
Among the properties Kuria is said to have irregularly acquired include two pieces of land in Lanet, Nakuru County, five plots in Dagoretti, Nairobi County, two plots in Kikuyu, two plots in Limuru and another within Kiambu town.
According to EACC lawyer Pius Nyoike, it was not possible for Kuria to purchase the 12 plots worth Sh181 million between January 2014 and December 2017 using his modest salary as a CFO.
“Our investigations have revealed that Kuria and his associates received the money from Nyandarua County Government through fraud and bribery. He tried to conceal his acts by acquiring properties spread across the country,” said Nyoike.
EACC lead investigator Abel Marevu in his affidavit said the former CFO conspired with his wife, mother and business associate to incorporate several companies which were given multi-million shilling contracts without following the law.
As soon as Kuria assumed office as CFO, the commission claimed, they registered Wanjohi Contractors and General Supplies Ltd, Olkalau Ventures, Kanjuri General Contractors, Kaimbaga Enterprises, Githioro Contractors, Jilsu General Contractors and Silverdola Supplies Ltd.
Conflict of interest
“The companies were awarded various contracts by the Nyandarua County Government in a manner not consistent with procurement rules, clear conflict of interest, abuse of office, bribery and corruption,” swore Marevu.
He swore the tender awards were facilitated by senior employees of Nyandarua County who would then receive kickbacks for locking out qualified bidders.
Once the companies received the money, Mr Marevu swore it was withdrawn in cash and channeled to Gachomba and Companies Properties Ltd which is owned by Kuria, his wife and mother.