The specter of corruption has returned to haunt former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, as six individuals linked to a fraudulent medical equipment procurement deal during her administration were arrested and arraigned in court. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) apprehended the suspects over the irregular procurement of 10 mobile X-ray machines worth KSh 56 million in the 2017/2018 financial year.
Investigations reveal that Richard Mukula Muthoka, the then Chief Officer in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, authorized the payment to M Marmut Suppliers, a company owned by Martin Katua(feared to be Ngilu’s proxy company). However, the machines delivered failed to meet the required specifications, raising concerns over a well-orchestrated embezzlement of public funds.
According to the charge sheet, what was supplied were fixed X-ray machines instead of the contracted mobile units. Muthoka faces multiple charges, including abuse of office under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, failure to comply with procurement laws, and unlawful expenditure of public funds.
The arrests have sent shockwaves through Ngilu’s political camp, with allies attempting to divert attention by trying implicating the current Kitui Governor, Dr. Malombe, and his family in the scandal bearing in mind it happened during Ngilu’s tenure and to mention Malombe’s family in this is a total signs of desperation, which has exposed Ngilu badly .
However, critics view this as a desperate move of last kicks of dying donkey as it seems Ngilu’s team have exhausted propaganda materials at their disposal and now they have no option left except to allow the law to take it own path, as the case edges closer to potentially implicating Ngilu herself .
After the court session, one of Ngilu’s close associates reportedly tried to persuade journalists not to mention her involvement or past regime in the reporting, fearing damage to her reputation ahead of a possible 2027 gubernatorial bid. The media, however, stood firm, rejecting any attempts to suppress the truth. Observers believe that her allies are keen on shielding her from scrutiny and coming prosecution , hoping for a political comeback that could allow them to resume exploiting public resources through engagement in free-style corruption environment.
Picture: Sample of Mobile X machine that was expected to be delivered.
The renewed scrutiny has heightened pressure on anti-corruption agencies to intensify investigations and bring all responsible parties to justice.
Among those charged were Richard Muthoka Mukula, supplier Martin Katua (allegedly a proxy for Ngilu)and four procurement officers from Kitui County Referral Hospital: Nicholas Kyule Nthiwa, Jackson Rorat, Michael Ndambuki, and Mutua Mailu. The suspects were released on a KSh 500,000 cash bail or a KSh 1 million bond. Their prosecution has rekindled hope among Kitui residents that accountability will be served and that the “big fish” behind the scandal, including Ngilu, will ultimately face justice.
Picture: sample of fixed X ray machines that was delivered contrary to contact.
Calls for the recovery of stolen public funds have intensified, with many urging authorities to expedite the ongoing investigations.
Keep tuned at KambalandTimes.com as our hawk-eyed chief investigative senior reporter Francis Kioko is already digging hard to give more information as things unfold.
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