EACC probes City Hall's Sh400m payments

By Mutinda Mwanzia

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is investigating City Hall for alleged irregular payments to suppliers amounting to about Sh400 million.

The commission is also probing claims that only specific suppliers were being paid after parting with a “commission” allegedly shared by some council officers.

The council has a new treasurer, Jimmy Kiamba, who was previously in Mombasa. Assistant Town Clerk Daniel Masetu, who is in-charge of reforms and also leads a team that works closely with EACC within City Hall, told The Standard that EACC was probing the payments.

“Some suppliers complained over the payments being done to few companies leading to the probe. That is what is being probed,” said Masetu.

EACC officials have demanded payment vouchers processed in the last one-year. On the spot is an assistant treasurer who is said to be behind irregular payments.

A senior officer at the council’s Audit Department confirmed that EACC officers had requested for payment vouchers after a section of suppliers raised alarm.

“They want to peruse vouchers to ascertain claims of alleged inflated payments and favouritism,” said the officer, who declined to be named.

Meanwhile, anxiety has gripped City Hall following imminent departure of Town Clerk Kisia, who will leave the council end of this month. The Ministry of Local Government is seeking his replacement.

Possible replacements

On Tuesday, City Hall was abuzz with names of probable individuals likely to take over Kisia’s post, but Ministry of Local Government will make the final decision.

Those being touted as possible replacements include City Hall Director of Planning Tom Odongo, Mombasa Municipal Clerk Tubman Otieno and Nakuru County Council Clerk Joseph Malinda.