Kenya, March 24 -- Kefa Seda, a worker at the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA), is accused of giving a bribe of Ksh 200 million to Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo to get the important job of Director General of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
This scandal has caught the attention of the French government and international investment groups. There are serious claims of bribery, misuse of power, and unfair practices in the hiring process.
Sources involved in the investigation say that Kefa Seda allegedly paid the big bribe to PS Kiptoo in Eldoret to make sure he was chosen for the PPP job after Chris Kiruga was removed from the position.
Kiruga was moved to a job as an ambassador to clear the way for Seda, who offered the most money.
There are also suggestions that Kefa Seda and PS Chris Kiptoo took bribes from foreign investors, especially from countries like China, Turkey, and those in the Gulf, to influence the sale of public companies.
They are accused of using strongarm tactics to go against decisions made by the Treasury Cabinet Secretary, Njuguna Ndung'u, and other important government officials, which has hurt transparency in managing public finances.
Investigations show that Kefa Seda might have used similar unfair methods at the Mau Summit, where he allegedly blocked a French company from getting a major contract after accepting large payments from other bidders.
His strong connections with the courts and investigative agencies have reportedly helped him avoid being held accountable and quieted those who oppose him.
A local non-governmental organization (NGO) is getting ready to file a lawsuit against Seda's appointment and to demand a lifestyle audit for both him and PS Kiptoo.
The NGO has also officially asked President William Ruto to reject Seda's appointment and to start an independent investigation into the corruption claims.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.