In a sweeping anti-corruption crackdown, the Kenyan government has suspended six Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and 67 police officers for alleged involvement in corruption and procurement irregularities.
The Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, issued the directives following recommendations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which is currently investigating the accused officers.
Among those suspended is Eng. Fredrick Mwamati, the CEO of the Tanathi Water Works Development Agency.
Mwamati is under investigation for procurement irregularities in the award of a tender for the construction of a Leather Industrial Park Water Supply Project.
Another high-profile suspension is that of Stephen Ogenga, the Director-General of the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).
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Ogenga is alleged to have committed procurement irregularities in the award of a tender for supplies at NITA.
The EACC has also recommended the suspension of Stanvas Ong'alo, the Acting Director-General of the National Museums of Kenya, for alleged embezzlement of Sh490 million through irregular payments.
The Chief of Staff has also directed the suspension of Mr. Benjamin Kai Chilumo, CEO of Huduma Centre Secretariat, investigated for corruption allegations during his tenure as Chief Finance Officer in the County Government of Kilifi.
Peter Gitaa Koria, CEO/GM of Bomas of Kenya, is recommended for suspension by the EACC for procurement irregularities in supplies.
Eng. Anthony Wamukota, General Manager of Design & Construction at Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO), faces suspension for alleged procurement irregularities in the 400KV Loiyangalani Power Project.
In addition to the CEOs, the EACC has requested the suspension of 67 police officers implicated in corruption-related malpractices.
The government's move to suspend these officials comes amid a renewed effort to combat corruption in Kenya, which has long been a major problem in the country.
Corruption is seen as a major obstacle to development and economic growth.
The Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, emphasized that the government remains firm in its commitment to eradicating corruption. "Corruption undermines our development agenda," he stated.
The EACC has also asked the Inspector-General of Police, Japhet Koome, to suspend 67 police officers implicated in corruption-related malpractices.
Below is the full statement on the suspensions: