Nyaundi fights back corruption and nepotism allegations

By VITALIS KIMUTAI

A commissioner at the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) spiritedly fought off claims he was involved in professional misconduct, corruption and nepotism.

Mr Ken Nyaundi, a lawyer, denied claims that he received kickbacks from a law firm that represented IIEC, which allegedly inflated its legal fees.

Nyaundi denied the claims when he appeared before the selection panel for commissioners to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chaired by Dr Ekuru Aukot at Kenyatta International Conference Centre.

INFLATED FEES

The integrity issues facing Nyaundi were raised by Ms Irene Keino, a panellist, who brought forth complaints forwarded to the team by members of the public.

Keino: Information has been provided to this panel that you influenced appointment of law firms to represent IIEC who inflated legal fees and gave you kickbacks.

Nyaundi: It is a shock to me because the lawyers we have at IIEC are the ones we inherited from ECK… When we were faced with a lawsuit during the referendum, the chairman asked me which law firm would best represent IIEC and we ended up hiring Pheroze Nowrojee.You all know his character as one beyond reproach.

The commissioner said there was no conflict between him and the IIEC secretariat and that he had no hand in the procurement of T-Shirts, banners and other promotional materials for the IIEC.

Nyaundi said he had no blood relationship with Bomachoge MP Simon Nyaundi Ogare as claimed by a member of the public and did not influence his election.

Nyaundi denied that he had a hand in the recruitment of Sarah Ogera as the Nyanza regional election coordinator, saying he had no relationship with her.

Ms Fatuma Mohamed Hirsi, a former Corporate Affairs Manager at Kencell (now Airtel) mobile phone company said ballot papers should be printed in Kenya and not abroad.

"Why do we print ballot papers abroad when we print cheque books locally? It is something we seriously need to consider," Hirsi said.

POLITICAL CONNECTION

She said she had a passion to serve the public and that if appointed to the commission, she would bring on board a wealth of experience in public relations, marketing and advertising.

"My personal integrity is beyond reproach. I have never been accused of anything," said Hirsi.

Mr David Njoka Gachoka, a former ambassador to Malaysia, denied suggestions that he was appointed as a diplomat in 2003 because of his political connection as executive officer at the Democratic Party of Kenya.

"I was appointed like any other person as a diplomat and it did not come from the party (DP)," Gachoka said.

Gachoka also refuted claims he played an active role in the controversy, which saw wildlife from Kenya exported to Malaysia.

Mr Lubulellah Anthony Milimu, a lawyer and former aspirant for the Shinyalu parliamentary seat, was alleged to have fraudulently acquired a piece of land leading to a family being rendered destitute.

"What is your position on claims you bought land from one Micah Michesia in an unfair and dubious manner leading to 10 family members who were not aware of the sale being rendered destitute?" Keino asked the lawyer.

Milimu said: "Unfair to whom? It was a case of willing buyer, willing seller and I have not had any complaints regarding the transaction to date."

nate court session