Six people from the Nakuru County Department of Lands have been charged in connection with alleged procurement irregularities involving KSh50 million set aside for the purchase of land for a health centre in Umoja Lanet Ward, Bahati Sub-County.
The accused are Judyleah Gathoni Waihenya, Chief Officer in the Department of Lands, Housing and Physical Planning and Accounting Officer, Samuel Wachira Gachigi, Acting Director of Supply Chain Management Services, and Ann Wangui Muya, a departmental accountant.
Others are Jane Karungari Muriuki, a Senior Physical Planner, Sammy Munga Nyagah, Deputy Director of Administration, and Samuel Githure Maina, the vendor of parcel No. LR Dundori/Lanet Block 5/894.The six are facing 10 charges, including conspiracy to commit an economic crime, engaging in a project without prior planning, wilful failure to comply with procurement laws, forgery and abuse of office.
According to the charges, the alleged offences took place between October 2019 and October 2020. During this period, the accused are alleged to have conspired to commit an economic crime involving KSh50 million in public funds.
The money was linked to Tender No. NCG/DP/LHPP/05/2019/2020, which was issued for the purchase of land where a health centre was planned to be constructed in Umoja Lanet Ward.
The prosecution also alleges that the project was undertaken without proper prior planning. There were also claims that procurement requirements were not followed, including the need to confirm that funds were available before starting the procurement process.
Five of the accused persons appeared in court and denied the charges against them. The sixth accused person is expected to take plea at a later date.
The court granted the five accused persons bond of KSh2 million each with one surety of a similar amount. Alternatively, they were allowed to pay cash bail of KSh250,000 each.
The charges relate to alleged actions involving public funds and procurement procedures. The accused persons will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations as the case proceeds through the court process.
The matter has been scheduled for September 23, 2026, when the court is expected to give further directions on the case.
Add Comment