The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji has returned the inquiry file on the KEMSA misuse of funds to the EACC, are identifying gaps in the investigation that need to be filled before a decision is made to charge. The anti corruption commission had handed over the report on investigations on the allegations of irregular procurement and fraudulent payments relating to the payment and supply of Covid-19 material, leading to the payment of Kshs 7.8 billion, on 18th September. There were 52 persons of interest in the EACC investigations.
However, DPP Haji has said after reviewing different factors, gaps have been identified that need more clarification. In a statement on Friday, he said EACC had recommended the prosecution of 6 senior KEMSA officials, and a team had to be set up to review the inquiry file well owing to public interest, “I note that the matter has attracted great public interest, but it’s important to note the law obligates the ODPP to ensure there is sufficient evidence to support charges with a reasonable prospect of conviction..” he said.
He added that after finishing the review it emerged that the scope of investigations is massive with several witnesses, many entities and documents to be examined. He also said his office hasn’t received the audit report on utilization of Covid-19 funds in KEMSA presented by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu on Wednesday before the Senate Health Committee and the Senate ad hoc Committee on Covid-19, which will be taken into consideration. He has directed DPP teams to work jointly with the EACC to expedite any remaining tasks.