Anti-graft Agency Arrests Former Tourism CS Najib Balala in Graft Probe

Today in Mombasa, the spotlight is on former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala and former Principal Secretary Leah Adda Gwiyo as they face allegations of procurement irregularities in connection with the construction of a college in Kilifi.

The duo, alongside Joseph Odero, a consultant from an engineering firm, was apprehended yesterday by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). Following a night in custody, they were transported to Kilifi this morning, where they are set to appear in court. Balala is confronting ten charges linked to accusations that the Tourism Fund improperly disbursed Sh8.5 billion for establishing the Coast branch of Kenya Utalii College, subsequently renamed Ronald Ngala Utalii College.

The EACC, in a released statement, clarifies that the arrests stem from their investigation into the improper payment of Sh8.5 billion from the Tourism Fund. Out of this amount, Sh4 billion allegedly went to Baseline Architects Limited for consultancy services related to the proposed Ronald Ngala Utalii College in Vipingo, Kilifi County. Sources indicate that the EACC submitted a report to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) two weeks ago, recommending charges against a total of sixteen individuals implicated in the case. Notable figures include Rotich, Morris Njue, Dominic Motanya, and Rebman Malala.

The accused have been detained and processed at the Integrity Centre Police Station. The charges they face include offences such as failure to comply with procurement laws, unlawful acquisition of public property, and abuse of office. Notably, during Balala's tenure, the contractor for the project was Mulji Devral and Brothers Company.

Initially supervised by Kenya Utalii College, the project was later transferred to the Ministry of Tourism. The government's intent behind the construction of this modern complex was to alleviate the strain on Utalii College in Nairobi, offering state-of-the-art facilities including contemporary kitchens, sports amenities, and conference rooms.