Chief Officer Public Works, Kericho County, and Six Others Arrested on Corruption Allegations

Press Release

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested the former Chief Officer in charge of Public Works, Roads and Transport at the County Government of Kericho and six (6) other suspects.

The EACC investigated a complaint alleging conflict of interest and procurement irregularities by public officials of the County Government of Kericho, in respect of a contract awarded for the construction of a road in Belgut Sub County known as the Bae-Kapsimotwet Kibaraa road. Thereafter, EACC submitted a report of its findings and recommendations to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) as required under Section 35 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, No. 3 of 2003. Among the issues established during the investigations include:

1. That the County Officials irregularly awarded contract No. CGK/Q033/RD/2015- 2016 for the construction of BAE-KAPSIMOTWET-KIBARAA Road in Kericho County to Jawlink Logistics Limited at a tender sum of Kshs. 5,600,000.00.
2. That a County Official involved in the tender process was also a Director of Jawlink Logistics Limited. The firm was neither prequalified by the County Government nor registered with the National Construction Authority.

Upon an independent review of the evidence, the DPP issued consent to apprehend and charge eight (8) suspects with various offences under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act No. 3 of 2003 and for violation of Procurement Laws.

The suspects already arrested are:

1. Peter Kipyegon Kosgey Chief Officer in-charge of Public Works, Roads and Transport, Kericho County
2. Joash Chirchir Civil Engineer, Kericho County
3. Charles Mabwai Procurement Officer, Kericho County
4. Aaron Waiharo Njoroge Accountant, Kericho County
5. Stanley Ruto Cheruyot Roads Inspector, Kericho County
6. Lilian Chepkoech Kirui Roads Inspector, Kericho County/ Director of Jawlink Logistics Limited
7. John Kimutai Rotich Director, Jawlink Logistics Limited

The suspects will be arraigned at the Anti-Corruption Court in Kericho on Thursday, 11th June, 2020. EACC directs the following suspect to present himself at the nearest EACC Offices with immediate effect, Japheth Kipgenoh Director, Jawlink Logistics Limited.