EACC says Kidero homes search key to unmasking Sh9bn wealth source

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has defended a search conducted at the homes and offices of former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero saying they are investigating his unexplained wealth, which is not commensurate to his sources of income.

In response to a petition filed by Dr Kidero, the EACC through the director of legal Services David Too, said investigations so far show that he has properties and assets with a value of over Sh9 billion. Dr Kidero also has a total of 11 motor vehicles, it says.

But through his lawyer Tom Ojienda, Dr Kidero told Justice Hedwig Ong’udi that “it is now becoming an offence to own property in this country” and the court should protect Kenyans from acts of violation by agencies such as the EACC.

The search conducted at Dr Kidero’s homes in Muthaiga and Kisumu as well as offices in Westlands.

The agency believes that Dr Kidero colluded to fraudulently transfer funds to personal accounts during his tenure at Mumias Sugar and Nairobi City County, said EACC through an affidavit by Abdi Umar.

Mr Too wants the EACC to be allowed to continue with its investigations.

But Dr Kidero is fighting the search order, which he argues is vague and open-ended and says the EACC used it to seize his documents and properties as they ‘fish for incriminating evidence’ against him and his family. He wants the Commission compelled to return his properties and documents, which were seized on September 20.

It is Dr Kidero’s argument that since he left office after the 2017 General Election, he has been subject to intimidation, harassment, threats and attacks by EACC and its officers.

Justice Ong’udi granted Ojienda more time to file a reply to EACC allegations as well as submissions. The case will be heard on October 15.