Economy

Tobiko okays prosecution of Mumias manager over theft

dpp

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Keriako Tobiko. PHOTO | FILE

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Keriako Tobiko has recommended prosecution of a former Mumias Sugar Company executive, Peter Hongo, for allegedly stealing 2,780 bags of sugar from the miller.

Mr Tobiko says there is sufficient evidence to charge Mr Hongo, a former business development manager.

“Having independently pursued the evidence, I am satisfied that there is enough evidence disclosed to charge the suspect,” said Mr Tobiko yesterday in a statement.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations probed the alleged theft following a complaint raised by the company over the matter.

Mr Hongo’s expected arraignment in court comes barely a week after President Uhuru Kenyatta publicly criticised the DPP and the anti-graft watchdog for failing to bring to book looters of the Western-Kenya based miller.

Speaking last week while issuing a Sh1 billion cheque for Mumias Sugar bailout, President Kenyatta said personal assets of those who stole from the company should be seized and sold to recover lost funds.

READ: Uhuru calls for seizure of Mumias looters' assets

Mr Hongo is among the suspended employees who were named in a forensic audit report by financial consulting firm, KPMG for allegedly taking part in malpractices.

The alleged mismanagement plunged Mumias into a financial crunch with KPMG pointing blaming its former managers.

Mr Tobiko on Thursday also recommended the prosecution of Garissa County Governor Nathif Jama Adan and other county officials over alleged irregular leasing of ambulance services from Emergency Plus Medical Services, owned by the Kenya Red Cross.

“EACC investigated the allegations and from the evidence recommended prosecution of the governor and other county officials for various criminal offences including abuse of office,” said Mr Tobiko.

Siaya Senator James Orengo has been spared a date with the court after the DPP closed his file for lack of evidence in regard to a parcel of public land in Westlands whose transfer to a private developer he allegedly facilitated.

Mr Tobiko said the complaint against Mr Orengo was filed by an anonymous person.

The complainant alleged that Mr Orengo, a former Land Minister, had colluded with former Nairobi Mayor George Aladwa and a commissioner in the ministry to transfer the land.

“EACC investigated the allegations and concluded that there was no evidence to link Mr Orengo with any criminal culpability and therefore recommended that the file be closed,” said Mr Tobiko.

The DPP has ordered further investigations into graft cases facing the managing director of the National Water Conservation and Pipeline Corporation, declining the request by EACC which had recommended closure of the file for lack of evidence.