Auditor General Edward Ouko cleared of graft allegations

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Keriako Tobiko, has cleared Auditor General, Edward Ouko, of graft allegations levelled against him.

Mr Ouko was accused of engaging in a project without prior planning leading to the loss of Ksh 100 million.

According to the DPP, the recommendations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to charge Mr Ouko with the misappropriation of Ksh 100 million and abuse of office lacks enough evidence to prosecute him.

The EACC investigations followed after a letter from the National Treasury raised queries on the alleged loss of money at the Office of the Auditor General.

The anti-graft body recommended that Mr Ouko be charged with the alleged loss of public monies, abuse of office and wilful failure to comply with Public Procurement and Disposal Act among other charges.

EACC also investigated the Deputy Auditor General, Stephen Kinuthia, for abuse of office, engaging in a project without prior planning leading to the loss of Ksh 100 million tax payer’s money and overlooking the Public Procurement and Disposal Act among others.

According to the DPP, there is enough evidence to charge Mr Kinuthia with dealing with suspect property, part of the Ksh 100 million proceeds, and engaging in corrupt practices.

The DPP has also recommended the prosecution of a Mr Charles Gichobi, a sales executive at Oracle Kenya, with acquisition of proceeds of crime, Ksh 500,000.