Top Kenya Pipeline Manager fighting for his job after fraud claims

A senior manager at the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) is fighting for his job following recommendations that he is fired for allegedly forging his documents to secure the appointment.

The KPC board met on Wednesday and adopted a report from a consultant that recommended the sacking of Mr. Peter Mbugua Njenga, the current General Manager (Operations & Maintenance).

He is accused of not only forging his academic qualifications but also altering names in his passport issued on 26th September 2012 bearing the names Peter Mbugua Njenga while that on the ID James Peter Mbugua.

Thursday, Mbugua termed the case against him- triggered by a petition by an NGO based in Mombasa- a witchhunt.

Njenga said he learnt of the complaints and a report recommending for his sacking on Social Media and attributed the push to have him fired to a ‘war’ within government terming the claims as, malicious untrue and unfounded.

“It’s forgery, unfounded and untrue. This (war) comes with working in government,” he told the Standard on phone.

KPC is one of the few profitable state corporations posted a Sh15 billion profit before tax in 2016/17 financial year.

A private firm hired to do a background search, says in its report that Mr Njenga’s academic papers appear forged while there are no records to show the primary and high school that Njenga attended.

Mbugua is recorded as having obtained a master’s degree in Engineering Management from University of Houston, Clear Lake (1994) and Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Praire View A7M University, Texas (1991).

A Mombasa-based NGO, Haki Africa blew the whistle on the matter when it wrote to the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the EACC asking that the hiring of Mr Njenga be investigated.

The management of KPC commenced internal investigations.

Thursday, KPC board Chairman John Ngumi confirmed the probe is on following the complaints from Haki Africa saying a decision will be arrived probably by next week.

“I am sure you are aware of all documents circulating in social media. There are complaints received and I have made it clear that we are going to work with investigative agencies. The issue was raised by Haki Africa and have begun investigations,’ Ngumi said.

He added; “Hopefully as soon as next week a decision will be made after looking at whatever recommendations the Board HR Committee will make.”

In its report, Haki Africa claimed that it had received complaints from the public alleging that the selection and appointment of Mr Njenga was fraudulent.

Following the letter to the Director of Criminal Investigations Ndegwa Muhoro dated September 19, 2017 – which was also copied to Mr Ngumi, KPC MD Joe Sang, EACC, Director of Public Prosecutions and the Ombudsman- the KPC management appointed a private firm to conduct a background search on all General Managers.

It was then established that Mr Njenga had secured his employment using forged and/altered certificates and documents from various institutions.

It also established that other than Exxon Mobil listed in Mr Njenga’s CV as former employers, all other companies are nonexistent.

Mr Sang, the KPC MD said the organisation will fully corporate with government agencies investigating the issue.