DPP okays Ksh292M fraud charges against Tanathi Water Works officials

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has approved charges against Tanathi Water Works Development Agency CEO Fredrick Mwamati and other officials over alleged Ksh292 million fraud.

The development follows investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which uncovered procurement irregularities that led to the loss of Ksh292,770,465 intended for the construction of Kananie Leather Industrial Park Water Supply Phase I and II.

The tender was awarded to Perma Structural Engineering Company Limited, which the EACC determined was a non-responsive bidder.

“The DPP, upon a thorough review of the inquiry file, was satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to warrant the prosecution of the suspects,” read a statement from the ODPP.

The suspects will face various charges, including conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, abuse of office, willful failure to comply with procurement laws, and conflict of interest, among others.

In addition to the Tanathi Water CEO, other officials set to face charges include Francis Kyalo Siva (General Manager, Infrastructure Development), Dave Otieno Mwango (Manager, Construction and Residual Operations), Duncan Mulandi Mutambuki (Accounts Manager, Finance), Dickson Mugambi Mungathia (Engineer, Department of Infrastructure Development), and Erick Muendo Ng’alu (Senior Engineer, Department of Construction and Residual Operations).

Perma Structural Engineering Company Limited Directors Peter Muange Kimuyu and Joseph Mutua Muange will also face similar charges.