By Peter Ochieng
Four people were todaycharged at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court, over their alleged involvement in a corruption scandal.
They are Stephen Ogenga, the Director General of the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), and three others, alongside a limited company.
The court, according to the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) was told that between 31st January 2019 and 29th March 2019, Ogenga being the Director General of NITA, improperly conferred a benefit of Sh4,800,654 to Xponics Limited by authorizing payments to the said company in respect of the tender for the supply, delivery, installation, commissioning, training, service, maintenance, and repair of sewing and training machines.
“Three others, Xponics Limited, James Waweru and Sheila Wambui Nyakinyua were charged separately with fraudulent accusation of public property worth Sh10,189,064.69, by presenting a falsified bid to ensure an unfair advantage in respect to the tender.
Xponics Limited, James Waweru and Sheila Wambui Nyakinyua were charged with an additional count of fraudulent practice contrary to Sections 66(1) and (2) of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015,” added ODPP.
The particulars of the case are that between 31st December 2016 and 20th June 2018, being a limited liability company and its directors respectively, they engaged in fraudulent practice by submitting a bid in respect of tender No. NITA/12/2017-201 for the supply, delivery, installation, commissioning, training, maintenance, and repair of sewing machines for the financial years 2017 and 2018.
They were charged before Justice Zipporah Gichana. The accused denied the charges and were granted a Sh3 million bond with a surety of a similar amount, with an alternative cash bail of Sh1 million each. The court directed them to deposit their passports at the court registry and not interfere with witnesses.
In addition, the court directed Paul Kipsang Kosgei, former NITA Director General, who was absent to appear in court on Wednesday 5th June 2024 for plea taking. The case is scheduled for pretrial on 19th June 2024.