On Thursday, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) placed impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at the center of the Sh3.7 billion mosquito nets scandal, a significant aspect of the motion for his ouster.
EACC Deputy CEO Abdi Mohamud connected Gachagua’s two sons to Crystal Kenya Limited, a local agent for Shobika Impex Limited, the company that bid for the lucrative mosquito nets contract.
“Documents reveal that the company directors are the Deputy President’s two sons, establishing a clear link between him and this company,” Mohamud stated during a Senate session.
He highlighted attempts to favor Shobika Impex Limited, leading to the cancellation of the tendering process due to irregularities, including changing mosquito net specifications to accommodate the company’s needs.
“Investigations showed that the then-Principal Secretary contacted the CEO of Kemsa, pressuring him to alter specifications to fit the chemicals supplied by Shobika Impex, represented locally by Crystal Kenya. This was the initial trigger,” Mohamud explained.
These actions were intended to give Shobika Impex additional time to submit their bid bonds, indicating “direct favoritism” towards the company.
Mohamud appeared before the Senate, which is reviewing the impeachment of DP Gachagua. He mentioned external influences attempting to micromanage the multi-billion shilling tender process.
“There are two conclusions: either the officers were bribed or external pressure was applied,” he stated.
Earlier, former Kemsa CEO Andrew Mulwa revealed that Gachagua instructed him around July 11, 2023, to hand over the original bid bond to its local agent. Mulwa’s son later called to check on the status of the bond. “As a junior official, I felt powerless against a Deputy President,” Mulwa affirmed in his sworn affidavit.
This connection is being leveraged by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse to strengthen his case against Gachagua. If the Senate upholds even one of the 11 charges, the Deputy President could be impeached.
Mutuse argues that the call to the procurement agency represents a conflict of interest, which he believes should be considered an impeachable offense. However, Mohamud clarified that the EACC has not concluded that the Deputy President influenced the tender process. He was summoned to provide details on the investigation into the Sh3.7 billion mosquito nets issue.
The EACC is also expected to testify regarding gifts received by the Deputy President and potential conflicts of interest related to the multi-billion shilling tender. Mohamud stated that any gifts exceeding Sh20,000 must be reported to the public entity within 48 hours.
Last week, the Deputy President credited the success of his dairy farm to the generosity of the Kalenjin community, mentioning that he had received many cows as gifts from neighbors in the Rift Valley.
“Conflict of interest refers to personal interests involving family members or business associates. State officers must declare conflicts if they arise,” Mohamud noted, adding that the EACC has not received a gift register from the Deputy President.
He also clarified that the commission has yet to investigate Crystal Kenya Limited.
