Update: 1:30pm
Former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani is now at the EACC headquarters at Integrity Center, Nairobi, being grilled over the loss of Ksh8.2 billion during his tenure as Governor of Marsabit.
Former Marsabit Governor Ukur Yatani, who served from 2013 to 2017, found himself in the spotlight once again as his residence became a target of police raids.
Concurrently, the homes of Marsabit's current Governor, Mohamud Ali, were also subject to searches. These developments unfolded early Wednesday as EACC continued to probe allegations of corruption within the Marsabit County administration.
Both Yatani and Governor Ali, alongside several high-ranking former and current officials of Marsabit County, were apprehended in connection with a suspected multi-billion graft investigation, estimated at Ksh8.2 billion.
Yatani, escorted by his legal team, arrived at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) headquarters at 12:15 pm, where he is expected to face questioning regarding the allegations.
Notable members of his legal counsel include former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Rarienda MP Otiende Amollo, indicating a high-profile defence strategy in response to the charges.
The Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) on the morning of Wednesday, April 24 raided the home of former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani in Marsabit and arrested him in a suspected graft probe.
Reports indicate that Yatani is currently in the custody of EACC detectives and is anticipated to undergo questioning regarding his alleged involvement in the misappropriation of billions of shillings.
The former CS was slated to present himself at the EACC Integrity Centre Police Station early in the morning.
In a simultaneous operation, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) also conducted a raid on the residence of the current Marsabit Governor, Mohamud Mohamed Ali, along with several other high-ranking county officials.
Governor Ali is anticipated to be transported to the EACC's Isiolo office for formal processing and additional interrogation as part of the extensive multibillion-graft investigation.
While the motives behind the EACC's decision to raid Yatani's home remain unclear, the Commission had previously urged the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga to pursue charges against allies of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, implicated in unlawfully navigating the Ksh6 billion Telkom takeover debacle.
Details outlined in the EACC's third quarterly report spanning July to September 2023, and signed by CEO Twalib Mbarak and chairperson David Oginde, shed light on Yatani's predicament. Alongside him, former Treasury Principal Secretary (PS) Julius Muia and Dr. Margret Nyakang'o face scrutiny over the Ksh6 billion Telkom acquisition.
A report recommending charges against these officials was submitted to Ingonga on August 29, 2023, yet action on the EACC's suggestions is pending.
The prospect of facing charges compounds the troubles for Dr. Nyakang'o, who already faces three counts of fraud, operating an unlicensed Sacco, and forgery. A High Court injunction has temporarily halted her prosecution following a petition.
The controversy surrounding the acquisition of a 60 per cent stake in Telkom Kenya at Ksh6 billion during the tenure of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration looms large. The deal, executed ahead of the 2022 general election, has stirred public outcry and legal scrutiny.
The EACC's report explicitly names various individuals, including former Telkom executives and government officials, slated for potential prosecution in connection with the Telkom deal.
The genesis of the inquiry traces back to a complaint lodged by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Samuel Njoroge on March 6, 2023, prompting the EACC to initiate investigations into the purported irregular acquisition of Telkom Kenya shares by the government from Helios Investors LLP for Ksh6 billion.
Investigations unveiled that the quest for potential investors ceased following a letter dated March 29, 2022, authored by Yatani, signalling the government's acceptance of Jamhuri Holdings Limited's decision to divest from Telkom.
Documents presented before Parliament indicate grievances expressed by the Government of Kenya, leading to Helios Investors LLP/JHL's exit from Telkom Kenya between April and September 2022.
