EACC begins probe to recover grabbed public land in Kericho
Rift Valley
By
Sharon Wanga
| Sep 05, 2024
Kericho governor Dr. Erick Mutai (in gumboots) kicks down a fence erected in a two-acre piece of land meant for Kericho dumpsite and allegedly grabbed by a private developer.[Maxwell Agwanda, Standard]
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has initiated investigations to recover six parcels of public land in Kericho, allegedly grabbed by private developers.
According to EACC South Rift Regional Officer Ignatius Wekesa, the land valued at approximately Sh400 million was under the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) when it was allocated to private individuals.
In a lawsuit filed at the Kericho Environment and Land Court, the agency now wants the court to nullify all illegal transactions and cancel unauthorised entries in the land register.
Additionally, EACC is also investigating other instances of corruption within Kericho County, including embezzlement of public funds, conflicts of interest, and unexplained wealth by some senior county officials.
READ MORE
Obodha cleared to take over as Portland Cement MD
Troubled Uchumi's creditors to know fate of their billions
Why tourism is Kenya's best bet to accelerate economic growth
BAT to pay Sh50 dividend despite 19pc profit dip
Appetite for Kenya's 'green gold' spawns new crop of millionaires
Policy Statement promises nothing unusual in CS Mbadi's first Budget
UNGA President Yang backs Equity's plan to boost youth innovation
Why you may not escape paying toll fees on major roads and highways
State struggles to justify contentious housing levy
Running a business? Here's why trademarking can save your brand
Those implicated include County Executive Committee (CEC) members, Chief Officers, and employees in the finance and procurement departments who are allegedly conducting business with the government through proxy companies.
The Commission is also probing several other graft cases in the region, such as the alleged misappropriation of Sh55.4m in the construction of Kerenga Airstrip, Sh244m in the Londiani roads project, Sh39 million from the Kazi Kwa Vijana equalization program, and Sh102 million in the Kipkonob water project.
EACC further raised concerns about an increase in fraudsters impersonating its detectives, who are conning unsuspecting public officials and business people, urging those in possession of public land to surrender, or face action.