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A Kenya Revenue Authority official accused by the anti-graft commission of living large on a meagre salary has defended his multi-million shilling wealth.
Joseph Chege Gikonyo accused the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission of engaging in a witch-hunt, in response to claims that he illegally acquired properties worth Sh615 million.
Gikonyo, who was interdicted by his employer to allow for investigations, said he was unapologetic for being wealthy and could explain the source of his properties spread across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties.
“I am not to blame for the rise in prices and value of my properties, which cannot be attributed to corruption. They (EACC) previously sought to have me forfeit the properties to the Government in 2016 but the court overruled them after I satisfactorily explained the source of my wealth,” Gikonyo swore in an affidavit.
The EACC last week obtained orders freezing Gikonyo’s properties on suspicion that he was engaged in economic crimes and money laundering.
According to the commission, it was not possible for a civil servant earning a monthly salary of Sh119,000 to live like a king beyond his known sources of income, with Sh615 million in unexplained wealth.
Among property EACC suspects were illegally acquired are two plots in Nyali, Mombasa, valued at Sh125 million, two parcels of land in Shanzu, Mombasa, valued at Sh26 million and a farmhouse in Kilifi town valued at Sh27 million.
Read more on: KRA official defends his multi-million wealth, says he can prove source
