Garissa County Governor Nathif Jama after he presented himself before the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission on July 3, 2015. The governor is to be charged over allegations of irregular leasing of ambulances in his county. He was accompanied by Council of Governors chairman Peter Munya ,Wajir County Governor Ahmed Abdullahi and other northeastern leaders.
Saturday, July 04, 2015
Garissa Governor Nathif Jama on Friday presented himself to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission following allegations of graft against him.
The county chief did so to avoid the possibility of an arrest. He is expected to be taken to court on Monday to face corruption charges.
On Thursday, Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko approved the anti-graft agency’s recommendation to have Mr Jama prosecuted over claims of irregular leasing of ambulances.
The authority’s investigations centred on dealings between the Garissa County Government and Emergency Plus, which is owned by Kenya Red Cross.
Mr Jama dismissed the charges levelled against him as cheap and flimsy political witch-hunt by his rivals.
“We respect Mr Tobiko’s opinion. The only question to him is the efficiency and speed with which he has acted on my file, yet we all know how many files are still stuck in his office,” said the governor.
He said the courts would clear him of the charges. Mr Jama said this would not derail his political career and his bid for re-election in 2017.
He was accompanied by Council of Governors Chairman Peter Munya, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi and former Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim.
“We are convinced that he is an innocent man. We will, however, let the court do its work. We hope that the matter would be concluded quickly,” said Mr Munya.
Mr Tobiko said he is satisfied with anti-graft agency recommendations to have the governor and other county officials charged. He directed that prosecution begins.
“The agency investigated the claims and recommended prosecution of the governor and other county officials for various criminal offences including abuse of office,” said Mr Tobiko in a statement.