15 top officials facing corruption charges at the Kenya power and lighting company may end up being paid more than Sh200 million in a deal intended to get rid of them.
The 15 found themselves in trouble after the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji ordered for the arrest of the officials of the firm over corruption allegations.
In one swoop, the DPP ordered for the arrest of current and former senior managers over procurement of defective transformers and the irregularities in prequalifying 525 companies for labour and transport contracts.
The offer by the board, which expires today, will see the least paid manager take home at least Sh10 million if they accept it.
Already The Standard has established that three managers have indicated their willingness to take the deal, but the other 12 are said to be uncomfortable and are reading mischief in the entire proposal.
The managers being asked to take the deal have been charged with corruption in relation to irregular tendering for purchase of transformers.
The transformers purchased were alleged to be substandard and worth more than Sh408 million.
They are all facing more than six counts, including committing economic crimes, abuse of office and conspiracy to defeat justice.
According to the law, all the officials are innocent until proven guilty. They remain suspended and on half pay until the cases are completed. Kenya Power cannot fire them.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter, when contacted, said the board was only exploiting available options to ensure the managers do not suffer unfairly.
He said Kenya Power did not have to suffer since the dockets the managers held were crucial, and those holding them now were doing so in an acting capacity.
“We have 33 witnesses lined up. Only seven have given evidence. The case might drag for years and take a toll on the management of the parastatal,” said Mr Keter.
“Those on permanent and pensionable terms might be difficult to terminate their employment. However, those at the age of 59 or on contract can opt for the deal.”
Those affected are former Managing Director Ken Tarus, Company Secretary Beatrice Meso, Joshua Mutua (General Manager Commercial Services), Abubakar Swaleh (Human Resources and Administration), Samuel Ndirangu (ICT) and Peter Mwicigi of Regional Coordination.
Others are Stanley Mutwiri, General Manager Infrastructure Development, Benson Muriithi, General Manager Network Management, and Peter Mungai Kinuthia, the General Manager Business Strategy.