Ex-Nyandarua Governor Waithaka faces Ksh.1M fine or 2 year jail term for procurement irregularity

In his judgement, Nyahururu Chief Magistrate Evans Keagwo said the evidenced before court was sufficient and revealed that there was lose of public funds.

He added that the two accused persons failed to follow the laid down procurement procedures that led to the lose of Ksh.50.5 million meant for a master plan of Ol-Kalou Water and Sanitation project.

They duo was charged in 2018 with the offences after investigations by EACC establishing the two irregularly awarded an Israel Based consultancy firm, M/s TAHAL Consulting Engineers Ltd Sh50 million tender.

The Chief Magistrate said he was convinced that though no funds were lost, the contract was awarded irregularly and without prior planning.

During the virtual court sentence, the defence lawyers pleaded for lenient sentencing, noting that the two were first offenders.

None of the accused was physically present in court, since the former governor is reportedly undergoing treatment.

Defence lawyers said that the former governor can neither walk nor talk; hence could not attend the court.

The sentencing was suspended until Monday 24, when the two are expected to present themselves in court for compliance and verification whether they will have paid up the fines, failure to which they will be escorted to jail.

EACC Regional deputy director Grace Omweri said the EACC welcomes the judgement.

The charges stem from a contract awarded in 2014 without adherence to procurement procedures.