Marsabit Senator Mohammed Chute alleged that plans were underway to interfere with the investigations to unravel the Ksh6.5 billion edible oil scandal.
While fielding questions to the Senate Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights on Thursday, Chute revealed that he received credible information on the Kenya National Trade Corporation (KNTC) board trying to sabotage the investigation.
“I am reliably informed of the ongoing tampering with evidence and process in this investigation. This is improper and continues to raise eyebrows and the retention of staff involved in the fraudulent loss of more than Ksh6.5 billion at the KNTC,” he stated.
Chute claimed that the derailment was being achieved by the board’s alleged decision to shield top officials involved in the loss while letting go of those not involved.
“Investigate why staff members who may have been involved are still in the office,” Chute demanded.
According to the senator, there is a plan to promote and perhaps let go of one of the implicated persons at the helm of the corporation which will diminish any hope of ever getting to unravel the ministry.
“It is fundamental that the committee directs the members of staff (implicated in the scandal) to step aside to allow investigations to be done,” the Senator added.
Chute, as a result, requested the Senate committee to provide a status report on the ongoing investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Court (EACC).
He also requested that the committee investigate the KNTC board’s resolution that led to the dismissal of some staff members and the retention of other members, some of whom were involved in the scandal.
Chute also requested that the committee investigate all cash and cheque withdrawals by individuals at the KNTC board including names and IDs of the said individuals.
In January this year, KNTC managing director Pamela Mutua vacated her seat following the report of the scandal in 2023.
Other seats that were set to be replaced in the corporation were General Manager, Purchasing and Sales, Warehousing Manager, Finance and Treasury Manager, and Business Development Manager.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE