Eight more face court over Sh5.6 billion maize saga

NCPB officials - Virginia Wamaitha, Eric Talam, Renson Korir at Milimani anti-corruption court where they were charged with corruption.

Eight more suspects in the Sh5.6 billion maize scandal were Friday charged before a magistrate's court in Milimani.

Among the eight was National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Eldoret branch manager Renson Korir, who faced three counts of abuse of office, neglect of duty and failing to ensure prudent use of funds. Mr Korir allegedly failed to ensure that NCPB bought enough maize for the Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR) and ensuring that the money allocated for purchase of white maize was prudently used.

The State also claims that he neglected his duty as a person entrusted with NCPB resources.

Korir denied the allegations. He was charged alongside six NCPB junior officers - Virginia Wamaitha, Stephen Kiprop, David Barangetuny, Peter Chirchir and Caroline Kipchoge.

One of the maize suppliers, Paul Kipyego, also answered charges of illegally acquiring public property. They all denied the charges.

The State is still looking for Joseph Cheboi, Victoria Jebet Rotich, Ms Chepchumba, Willie Kipkoech Sang and Celestine Chepchirchir. They are to report at the DCI in Eldoret.