EACC wants former Judiciary Registrar Gladys Shollei prosecuted over graft

Former Judiciary Registrar Gladys Shollei and former acting Director of Immigration Jane Waikenda will now have to wait for the Director of Public Prosecution Keriako Tobiko’s decision on whether they will be charged over graft and abuse of office claims as recommended by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

This is after the DPP on Monday received files from the EACC recommending charges against Shollei, her former deputy Kakai Kissinger and six other Judiciary tender committee members among them the director of supply chain Martin Otieno Okwata and the director of finance Benedict Abonyo Omollo over alleged irregular payment of 46 million shillings for construction of courts in Mavoko.

The DPP also received files on the recommended prosecution of former acting Director of Immigration Jane Waikenda and her deputy Abraham Mwaura over alleged irregular issuance of permits by the department of immigration.

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Managing Trustee Richard Kipkoech Langat will also face administrative action if the DPP approves the EACC recommendation on his alleged irregular approval of five billion shillings for the Tassia II Housing Scheme which the commission says exposed the fund to contractual obligations.

The DPP has promised to review the files independently and make decisions based on available evidence.

Shollei had earlier on sought a court order to block EACC from arresting her over graft allegations leveled against her.

In the hearing, EACC denied allegations that Shollei was not aware that she was being investigated.

EACC raised objection to the application saying it was based on crafted claims and rumours from the media as EACC has not completed investigations and has not informed Shollei of her possible prosecution and the outcome of the application would affect the remaining part of their investigations.

EACC further said that Shollei’s pleadings had not conformed with the rules of procedures promulgated by the Chief Justice.

Shollei, however, claims that EACC declined to disclose to her that she was under investigation.

She further contended that EACC’s conduct, recent actions and pronouncements constitute an imminent and immediate threat to her fundamental freedom against arbitrary arrest.

The entire judiciary tender committee was also accused of flouting procurement regulations in the purchase of the property.