EACC grills Maasai Mara University bosses over Sh732m graft scam
Rift Valley
By
Hilda Otieno
| Sep 15, 2024
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is investigating an alleged misappropriation of over Sh732 million by Maasai Mara University officials set aside for the construction of a library.
The alleged scandal has seen 11 current and former top officials interrogated by EACC detectives.
The commission spokesperson Eric Ngumbi said the outcome of the investigation will inform the next steps which may include prosecution and recovery of any public funds found to have been lost.
READ MORE
Ogamba calls on university dons to resume duty
NTSA opens probe into crash that killed 17 on Nairobi-Mombasa highway
Nurses strike to continue until 2017 CBA is implemented, union says
Kenya's young chess masters shine at U17 national championship
South Africa's xenophobic tendencies inimical to Ubuntu-inspired cooperation
Double delight as Junior Starlets continue soaring higher
Sonko gifts Junior Starlets Sh1 million after qualifying for U-17 World Cup
Ruto hails Junior Starlets, pledges full support
Junior Starlets second straight FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualification
It is alleged that the contract was awarded to a company whose director is related to a top university official.
The investigations come at a time when the university has sued former Vice Chancellor Mary Walingo over Sh215 million allegedly embezzled in her second tenure.
In the suit filed at the High Court in Narok, the university and its council want the court to declare the Sh215,001,608, allegedly withdrawn by Prof Walingo as proceeds of corruption.
"The court is urged to issue an order that the money, illegally embezzled by the defendant (Walingo), be refunded to the university," the university submitted.
Alternatively, the university has urged the court to order the forfeiture of Walingo's assets, equivalent to the amount mentioned.
Person of interest
The university, through its council chairperson Dr Kennedy Kerei, in an affidavit claims underwent a major blow in September 2019, after rampant corruption was exposed.
Kerei submits that Walingo, who was serving her second term as the VC and a former Accountant Officer of the university, were allegedly at the centre of the scandal.
He said that the university conducted a thorough probe to ascertain the corruption allegations and Walingo became a person of interest.
"After investigations, the university discovered that the defendant had constituted a complex scheme of corruption designed to conceal the movement of illicit funds," he deposed.
He argued that criminal charges were instituted against Walingo (Nakuru Anti-Corruption Case E002 of 2020), but the case was not heard to its logical conclusion.
The university council claims that the case was terminated by way of judicial review but even with its withdrawal, the university had a right to institute a petition seeking to recover the money lost.
VIDEO: Ugly scenes as fans attack referee after controversial penalty in Sharks-Mombasa playoff
The Kariobangi Sharks-Mombasa United promotion-relegation playoff descended into ugly scenes after angry fans stormed the pitch following the award of a penalty to the visitorsThe Last Dance: Football prepares for emotional farewell as Lionel Messi plays final Argentina game
A defining era in modern sports reaches its curtain call tonight at the Estadio Mâs Monumental, as 39-year-old captain Lionel Messi leads Argentina out one final timeNgetich, Sawe nominated for 2026 World Athlete Year honours
Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe and Agnes Ngetich nominated for 2026 World Athlete of the Year awards; they both smashed world records in London and Copenhagen, respectively.Kenya Lionesses lie in wait as they hunt down Safari Sevens trophy
Kenya Lionesses captain Sheila Chajira says the team is ready to defend its Safari Sevens women’s title when the 28th edition kicks off at Nyayo Stadium on Friday.Makokha reigns supreme in Teafield Trophy meet
Isaac Makokha of Kenya Railway Golf Club won the 2026 Teafields Trophy at Kericho Golf Club with a score of 228, finishing two shots ahead of Daniel Mwangi and Ken Serem.MOST READ
VIDEO: Ugly scenes as fans attack referee after controversial penalty in Sharks-Mombasa playoff
FOOTBALL