Graft watchdog probes NHC houses allocation

By Ally Jamah

Cases involving top government officials who allegedly received houses from the National Housing Corporation (NHC) fraudulently will be forwarded to the director of public prosecutions (DPP).

Officials of the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) said on Thursday that investigations into NHC are at “an advanced stage” and will soon be concluded.

“Once the investigations are complete, the files will be taken to the DPP with appropriate recommendations and it will up to him to make the decision to prosecute or not. But we have gathered a lot of information,” said EACC spokesperson Nicholas Simani on Thursday.

A recent special audit commissioned by the Inspector General of State Corporations revealed that three permanent secretaries were among senior public servants allocated houses in posh areas by NHC by making verbal requests.

Multiple allocations

They include Dr Mohamed Isahakia (Office of the Prime Minister), Dorothy Angote (Lands) and Mary Ngari (Medical Services). Former State House Comptroller Hyslop Ipu was also allocated a house.

Angote is listed as the beneficiary of two houses located in Nairobi West and Kakamega, while Mrs Alice Mwololo, who represents the Finance PS on the board, was allocated two houses in Lang’ata and Nairobi West.

A gospel ministry associated with Housing Assistant Minister Margaret Wanjiru was reportedly allocated units.

Among the current NHC board members who were allocated houses include Chairman Bosire Ogero, who got five houses in Kileleshwa, Lang’ata, Madaraka ‘A’ and Kisii.

Victor Ogutu, who represents the Local Government PS on the board, was allocated two houses in Madaraka ‘A’ and Mamboleo in Kisumu.

Reports indicated that NHC Managing Director James Ruitha and Company Secretary Elizabeth Mbugua were grilled on Thursday by the anti-corruption body while others involved in the matter are expected to visit the EACC offices this week. 

“We are still taking more statements from relevant people involved directly or indirectly in the matter,” said Simani.

He however declined to indicate whether they have so far found any wrongdoing in the deal to transfer houses.