Kenya's anti-corruption agency brought seven people to court Friday about an eight-year-old hiring scandal. These folks allegedly helped give jobs to 56 people in Nyamira County without following proper rules. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission took action against several former county officials who worked together back in 2016.
The accused include Peter Ogwara, who served as a County Executive Committee member, Eric Onchana, who worked as County Secretary, and Beatrice Siriba, who held the Vice Chairperson position on the County Public Service Board. Four others also faced the judge: Ogeto Michira, who ran operations as Acting Chief Officer, Jadwick Sangara, Robert Mochache, and Peter Nyakundi. Chief Magistrate Bernard Ochieng heard their cases.
Prosecutors charged these former officials with several wrongdoings, including abusing their positions, breaking hiring rules, giving jobs improperly, and even faking school certificates. Vane Mochama, representing the prosecution, told the court these former leaders misused their power to benefit dozens of staff members. The illegal hiring happened between June and November of 2016.
Two additional former workers connected to this case remain unaccounted for completely. Reports indicate one person has died since the investigation began. All seven people standing trial claimed they did nothing wrong when asked about the charges. The judge allowed each person to go free temporarily after paying either a 500,000 shilling bond or 200,000 shillings cash. The case highlights ongoing efforts to fight government corruption throughout Kenya.
The accused include Peter Ogwara, who served as a County Executive Committee member, Eric Onchana, who worked as County Secretary, and Beatrice Siriba, who held the Vice Chairperson position on the County Public Service Board. Four others also faced the judge: Ogeto Michira, who ran operations as Acting Chief Officer, Jadwick Sangara, Robert Mochache, and Peter Nyakundi. Chief Magistrate Bernard Ochieng heard their cases.
Prosecutors charged these former officials with several wrongdoings, including abusing their positions, breaking hiring rules, giving jobs improperly, and even faking school certificates. Vane Mochama, representing the prosecution, told the court these former leaders misused their power to benefit dozens of staff members. The illegal hiring happened between June and November of 2016.
Two additional former workers connected to this case remain unaccounted for completely. Reports indicate one person has died since the investigation began. All seven people standing trial claimed they did nothing wrong when asked about the charges. The judge allowed each person to go free temporarily after paying either a 500,000 shilling bond or 200,000 shillings cash. The case highlights ongoing efforts to fight government corruption throughout Kenya.
