Mtwapa county under EACC’S hunt over sh 308 million land saga

 

Image result for Governor Amason Kingi's images
Amason Kingi

The anti-corruption commission has launched investigations into the purchase of 11 acres of land by the county for Sh308 million at Mtwapa.

The land, for a market and bus park project, was bought in October 2014 during Governor Amason Kingi’s first tenure with the current Kilifi North MP Dr Owen Baya serving as county secretary.

Local activists have questioned the cost of the property estimated at Sh28 million per acre.It is reported that Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) launched investigations last week following a request by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Image result for images of whatsapp

A letter disclosing the start of the investigation has been leaked on Kilifi WhatsApp platforms since Friday generating debates on whether it was genuine.

However, a top official within EACC headquarters told reporters that what has been circulating is genuine, adding that the probe was launched following a request by the DPP’s office.

“The letter is genuine and what we want is personal information regarding the old matter on Kilifi bus park as you can read on the letter. Investigations are ongoing,” said the officials who asked not to be named.

Related image

Kilifi County Secretary Arnold Mkare whom the letter is addressed to, said he was out on leave and will respond after receiving the letter. “I have been on leave for four days and I have not resumed work. I will call you back once in office,” said Mr Mkare.

The anti-graft agency wrote a letter to the county secretary on December 19 requesting for documents in respect of Baya.

Image result for images of EACC

“This commission is carrying out investigation into allegations of irregular purchase of land for a bus park in Kilifi County. To facilitate our investigations, please give us the personal file for the above mentioned (Owen Yaa Baya) former county secretary,” the letter by EACC’s Salat Ali states in part.

Baya however questioned the authenticity of the letter. “I have seen the letter circulating on social media but I have not received any communication. How come the letter is addressed to one person who is the current county secretary (only)? I don’t want to spend time discussing some things,” he said.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *