EACC wants appointment of Chris Okemo to Kenya Seed revoked, says his extradition to UK case still pending

Chris Okemo

NAIROBI: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission wants the appointment of Chris Okemo to the Board of the Kenya Seed Company revoked.

The commission wrote to the suspended Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei opposing the appointment on integrity grounds.

"This is in view of the integrity concerns raised regarding the said individual, which cannot be overlooked. The Commission further notes that there is a pending extradition proceedings in court where the government of the United Kingdom (UK) is seeking the extradition of the said person based on corruption allegations," said a statement from the commission.

"Whereas the Commission recognizes the right of innocence, however, this appointment negates the requirements of the Executive Order No.6 of March, 2015 on Ethics and Integrity in the Public Service, the Code of Governance for State Corporation and all the efforts in place in the fight against corruption and unethical practices."

The civil society has termed as a mockery, the appointment contained in a gazette notice dated March 20, 2015.

Okemo is wanted in Jersey, UK, for allegedly defrauding the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) Sh900 million and laundering the money in Jersey.

He and former KPLC managing director Samuel Gichuru have for the last three years, contested the Island of Jersey's extradition orders at the High Court in Nairobi.

They are wanted for false declarations, fraud and money laundering.

They allegedly misled auditors of Wartsila that Windward Trading was receiving consultation fees.

Warrants issued say Okemo opened bank accounts in Jersey under his name and Arus Management service where the funds were deposited between August 1, 2000 and August 3, 2001.

The two individuals were summoned to the Island of Jersey court on April 20, 2011 and subsequently on May 5, 2011 but failed to show up.

They are wanted on 53 counts of money laundering and fraud.

The funds were allegedly paid as commissions to Gichuru and Okemo who were powerful individuals during the Kanu government.

Okemo was Energy minister from 1999 to 2001 and then Finance minister from 2001 to 2003 while Gichuru was KPLC managing director from 1983 to 2003.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights last week called on the revocation of the appointment.