Sleuths attached to British government will now join their Kenyan counterparts for investigations to alleged loss of Sh21 billion meant for construction of Kimwarer and Arror dams, DPP Noordin Haji has revealed.
The probe towards the loss slowed down when it emerged that the money was reportedly transferred to banks in Italy and England, then to Nairobi, making the web very complicated.
At Nairobi on Thursday, Mr Haji said he had agreed with Wales and England prosecutor Max Hill to help in the investigations. Early this month, Haji informed the nation that the probe was almost complete.
“The dam cases are still under investigation. We have asked the British government to help us. They will help us to conclude the case,” said Mr Haji, adding that other jurisdictions are also involved.
“They (Britain) help us in almost all matters: reviewing cases, undertaking financial and forensic analysis, capacity building and joint trainings, not only for ODPP but also other offices,” said Mr Haji.
Mr Hill said he's working with the Kenyan government in handling serious organised and transnational crimes. The scandal was first unearth in January, causing a major shake up in government.
“We are working with you to tackle organised, serious, transnational crimes. My presence as England and Wales' prosecutor should send a message that we have a challenge of terrorists and corruption, and we are ready to tackle them.”
So controversial is the scandal that a section of politicians led by Deputy President William Ruto, have dismissed it as a well orchestrated move to block his 2022 presidential bid.
Director of Criminal Investigations George Kinoti, who was the first to break news about the scandal, said that the contractor, an Italian firm, received close to Sh6 billion with nothing substantive on the ground.