MPs probe EACC over Sh1.5 billion irregular deal

A parliamentary committee will today open an investigation into an alleged irregular acquisition of Integrity Centre (pictured) by the anti-graft body for Sh1.5 billion.

The investigations by the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is likely to put the commission mandated to fight graft in an awkward position.

MPs have summoned Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Chief Executive Officer Twalib Mbarak as they seek to unearth the puzzle of a building bought at Sh400 million in 2013, but sold to the agency for Sh1.5 billion in 2017.

The transaction was done during the tenure of former EACC boss Halakhe Waqo.

At the heart of the investigations is the apparent exclusion of government official valuers after Auditor General Edward Ouko disclosed that the Ministry of Lands was not involved in the acquisition against the requirement.

Yesterday, PAC chairman and Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi said the committee will prosecute the matter ‘robustly without fear or favour’.

He termed the investigations as a matter of immense public interest as it involves taxpayer’s money.

“Public Accounts Committee is now fully seized of Integrity Centre acquisition matter,” said Wandayi.

In his report, Ouko said it is only the Ministry of Lands that should determine the appropriate market rents and values where all Government agencies need to lease or acquire property.

“No evidence was available for audit review to clarify whether the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning played any role in the valuation,” said Ouko in his audit report on EACC.

Details of the sale indicate National Land Commission (NLC) approved payments for the compulsory acquisition in a sitting held on July 5, 2018.

The meeting was chaired by the embattled former NLC Chairman Muhammad Swazuri.

NLC claims to have requested for valuation from the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, but could not provide documents to prove the valuers’ involvement.