Ngirita's assets frozen in NYS scandal trial

Assets Recovery Agency has obtained order freezing several properties including land and vehicles belonging to the Ngirita family, who are facing charges relating to the loss of Sh468 million at the National Youth Service (NYS).

Justice Hedwig On’gudi granted ARA the orders after the agency convinced the court that they have reasons to believe that the properties in question were acquired through proceeds of crime, and money obtained from NYS.

The Agency argued that the properties are associated with Phyllis Njeri, Jeremiah Gichini Ngirita and their mother Lucy Wambui Ngitira.

The properties include a parcel of land in Waitaluk in Kitale, measuring 0.70 hectares and registered in the name of Sylvia Ajiambo Ongoro. The agency said the land was sold to Mrs Ngirita on June 2, 2016.

Another land is situated in Naivasha town, which was sold to Mrs Ngirita by New Hope for All Nations on July 8, 2016 and another one in Nakuru East measuring an acre which she acquired on April 25, 2017.

She is also alleged to have purchased a land in Kiamunyi area of Nakuru town in an agreement dated October 28, 2016 while Mr Gichini is said to have acquired a parcel in Mwicingiri area in Naivasha on July 1, 2016.

The Ngiritas have denied charges of fraudulently receiving payments from NYS, for goods not supplied. Other than Mrs Ngirita, her daughter Phyllis and son Mr Gichini, her other daughter Ann Wambere Wanjiku and daughter in-law Catherine Wanjiku Mwai are also in the dock.

Ann through her company Annwaw Investments is alleged to have received Sh59.8 million, while Mrs Ngirita through Waluko Investment is also alleged to have benefitted from NYS for goods not supplied. Mr Gichini through his company Jerrycathy Enterprises allegedly received Sh72.2 million for goods not supplied, while Phyllis is alleged to have received Sh50 million.

Evidence in court is that more than 36 companies participated in various bids to supply goods to NYS in 2011 and the Ngirita family, who allegedly got more than Sh226 million were not listed in the companies.

The prosecution alleges that some suspects created fictitious pending bills, fictitious supplies by fictitious entities, which were paid, yet genuine suppliers were left out, some of which remain unpaid to date.

The court directed the family to surrender the original logbooks within seven days and the Director General of National Transport and Safety Authority to register a caveat on the motor vehicles, while the Registrar of titles is to register a caveat on the parcels.