MPs approve report on Sh180m youth cash scam in Kenya

MPs have approved a report on the alleged misappropriation of Sh180 million from the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF).

The report recommends the investigation of former YEDF chairman Bruce Odhiambo, former chief executive officer Catherine Namuye and businessman Mukuria Ngamau.

Mr Ngamau, the director of Quorandum Ltd, working alongside the former YEDF bosses, allegedly crafted and executed a fraudulent scheme in the name of a consultancy service to defraud the public, the report claims.

The special report by the Public Investments Committee that investigated allegations of fraud and financial mismanagement at the youth fund, recommends that the relevant security agencies move with speed to bring the individuals to book.

"The Director, DCI (Directorate of Criminal Investigations) and Secretary, EACC (Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission) to report back to the National Assembly not later than two months after the adoption of this report on the status of implementation of recommendations," the report partly reads.

harsh penalties

Among the harsh penalties that both Mr Odhiambo and Ms Namuye will face, if found culpable and if convicted by a court of law for the various civil and criminal offences against them, is being barred from holding any public office.

Odhiambo, in the report by the committee chaired by Eldas MP Adan Keynan, apart from conspiracy to defraud the public of Sh180 million, is also accused of violating provisions of Section 15 of the Public Officer Ethics Act 2003.

This is after he personally instructed the YEDF management to acquire a vehicle, which was purchased on August, 2014 at a cost of Sh12,615,448.

"The said vehicle was misused by Mr Odhiambo leading to the fund incurring a total of Sh806,014.65 on fuel and general maintenance of the vehicle. Toyota Kenya quoted Sh228,000 for repairs of the vehicle," it says.