EACC clears Waiguru in Sh791m scandal

Anne Waiguru

The anti-corruption agency has cleared former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru of any wrongdoing in an ongoing investigation.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and police were investigating the loss of Sh791 million and conspiracy to steal Sh695 million. Whereas police had forwarded their file to the DPP and recommended various persons be charged, they listed the former CS as a witness.

EACC wrote to the Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua informing him that it did not find any evidence to warrant a recommendation for Waiguru's prosecution.

The letter dated February 4, 2016 and signed by EACC CEO Halakhe Waqo, said the commission had investigated various allegations touching on NYS and the Ministry of Devolution.

Sunday, Ms Waiguru (right) said: "I am extremely excited and grateful to God. The truth has finally come out against all the accusations that have been there since this matter came out." She said she and her family had gone through a lot of pain and wished no man or woman should be subjected to such claims and accusations.

"I am out of town but I can tell you it is a relief for me and my family. It is a good thing to happen," she said.

It is not clear if the commission had written to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) over the new development. It is only the DPP who can close an investigation file.

Mr Waqo was not immediately available for comment. The move would paves the way for Waiguru's appointment to any public office.

Waiguru resigned as Devolution Cabinet Secretary on November 22 following pressure from various quarters over the NYS saga in which Sh791 million is said to have been stolen. Waiguru cited health issues as the reason behind her decision to step down and requested the President to accord her lighter duties in future.

Apart from the NYS saga, EACC was also conducting a lifestyle audit on Waiguru and other officials at NYS and Devolution ministry.

The officers had raided her home in December and took away a number of documents as part of the probe. They also raided at least a dozen other homes of top NYS and ministry of devolution officials.

In the NYS saga, more than 20 people have been charged with various offences. The dealings came to light after the Central Bank raised the red flag over huge sums of money paid to private companies by the NYS.

Among those charged include former NYS boss Nelson Githinji and Planning Principal Secretary Peter Mangiti. The Asset Recovery Agency has initiated asset recovery proceedings on eight people in respect of the stolen funds and attached cash and property valued at Sh580 million.