The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has confirmed that Marsabit County Senator Mohamed Said Chute is currently at the Commission for statement recording and an interview with investigators.

This follows an EACC summons as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of massive corruption involving the Senator.

According to EACC Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi, Senator Chute is being investigated for conflict of interest and theft of public funds related to tenders worth Ksh 365 million.

“The tenders were allegedly fraudulently awarded to two companies owned by him and his wife, Lidia Gode Yussuf,” EACC said.

It further reveals that the companies involved are Blue Nile East Africa Ltd and Midrock Water Drilling Company Ltd.

Preliminary investigations indicate that part of the funds paid to Senator Chute and his wife’s companies by the County Government were subsequently channelled to the sitting Governor, Mohammud Ali.

In a separate case, Senator Chute is also linked to the embezzlement of public funds through fraudulent tenders worth Ksh 2 billion.

These tenders, awarded to Midrock Water Drilling Company for the construction of Badasa Dam in Marsabit County, were granted by the National Water Conservation and Pipeline Corporation (NWCPC).

Investigations suggest that the company was not qualified for the tender and has received payments for no services rendered.

“The EACC continues to probe these allegations as part of its mandate to combat corruption and promote transparency in public service,” Ngumbi stated.  

President William Ruto has fired all Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) save for Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi who also acts as Foreign Affairs minister. 

The Head of State has also dismissed Attorney-General Justin Muturi. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is unaffected.  

“Upon reflection and listening keenly to what the people of Kenya have said and after holistic appraisal of the performance of my Cabinet and its achievements and challenges, I have today in line with the powers given to me decided to dismiss with immediate effect all the CSs and AG except the PCS and CS for Foreign Affairs and the office of the DP is not affected in any way,” announced Ruto. 

The president said that he will announce additional measures ‘soon’.

“During this process, the operations of government will continue uninterrupted under the guidance of Principal Secretaries and other relevant officials,” said Ruto. 

Broad-based government

Ruto said that he will engage various stakeholders to set up a government that will help him deliver on campaign promises. By Esther Nyambura, The Standard