Garissa Governor Ali Korane Jama has taken desperate measures to shield his administration from a sweeping corruption investigation.
Facing an imminent threat of arrest after a raid that led to the detention of senior county officials, Governor Jama has ordered his treasury team to relocate all laptops and computers from the county treasury to a covert location.
The new hideout, a small office behind the Rubis petrol station (formerly Sifa petrol station), is intended to keep these critical devices out of the reach of detectives seeking forensic evidence.
The clandestine operation, spearheaded by the Governor’s nephew and Chief Finance Officer, Mohamed Daud Korow (commonly known as Fiana), is a calculated move to prevent authorities from accessing potentially incriminating data.
This action underscores the gravity of the situation, with Garissa County now effectively a crime scene under intense scrutiny from anti-corruption agencies.
Governor Jama’s awareness of his precarious position grows as the possibility of his arrest looms larger.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has intensified its probe into the county’s financial dealings, following revelations of widespread corruption.
Adding another layer to the scandal is the extensive real estate portfolio amassed by the Governor’s younger brother, Abdiaziz Jama.
Abdiaziz has acquired numerous properties, including six apartments in Nairobi (two on Eastleigh’s Jam Street, two in South C, and two in Kilimani), as well as two in Mombasa and three in Kilifi.
These acquisitions, made through proxy companies and a Somali U.S. citizen serving as the ostensible owner, are designed to conceal the illicit origins of the funds used for these purchases.
This elaborate scheme highlights the depth of corruption within the Governor’s family and the lengths to which they have gone to obscure their financial activities.
The network of properties and businesses linked to Abdiaziz Jama and other family members forms a complex web intended to launder and hide the proceeds of their misconduct.
As the EACC’s investigation progresses, detectives are expected to uncover more evidence connecting these real estate acquisitions to corrupt practices within Garissa County.
The extensive and sophisticated efforts to mask their illicit wealth point to a deep-seated culture of corruption that could have far-reaching implications for the county’s administration.
Governor Jama’s drastic actions and the unfolding scandal underscore the urgent need for accountability and transparency in public office.
The Governor’s attempts to thwart the investigation only serve to highlight the seriousness of the allegations against him and his administration.
As the EACC digs deeper, the people of Garissa and Kenya at large await the results of this high-stakes investigation with bated breath.
The situation in Garissa serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive challenges posed by corruption and the critical importance of robust oversight mechanisms.
The coming days will be pivotal in determining the extent of the malfeasance and the potential consequences for those involved.
Add Comment