EACC obtains orders freezing Ksh.62M seized from former CS Ukur Yatani’s nephew
The Ethics
and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has obtained High Court orders preserving
$460,000 (Ksh.62,100,000) the anti-graft body seized in the ongoing
investigation into former Cabinet Secretary and Marsabit Governor Ukur Yatani.
The amount,
which is in 4,600 pieces of USD 100 denominations, was seized from his nephew
Ibrae Doko Yatani.
The
freezing orders were issued by Justice Esther Maina on Friday, May 3, and will
be in force for six months.
“I am satisfied that there are reasonable grounds laid for the
preservation of the funds. An order be and is hereby issued allowing the
applicant to continue to detain 4,600 pieces of US Dollars 100 denomination
seized from the Respondent's residence on 24th April 2024. The order shall be
for a period of six months as provided in Section 56(3) of the Anti-Corruption
and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA),” the court ruled.
“The order shall be served upon the Respondent within 7 days
of today's date. That there be no order as to costs. It is so ordered.”
EACC told
the High Court that possession of the amount raises reasonable suspicion that
the money may constitute proceeds of corruption or unexplained wealth.
The
commission submitted that Yatani might be engaged in money laundering, hence
the need to investigate the source.
The court
heard that during the period of interest, Ibrae Doko Yatani, through his
company Al Habib Enterprises, irregularly received Ksh.71,790,897 from the
County Government of Marsabit.
Through its
advocate Jackie Kibogy, EACC further told Justice Maina that it is apprehensive
that unless the court issues an order authorising the continued custody of the
cash, Ibrae Doko Yatani may demand unconditional release and proceed to dispose
of or transfer the cash thereby frustrating any intended forfeiture proceedings
to the detriment of the public.
Ukur Yatani
together with Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali, top county officials and
close family members are under investigation for alleged theft of public funds, abuse
of office, procurement irregularities, conflict of interest and
unexplained wealth.
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