Garissa governor, Nathif Jama has been accused of corruption in the procurement of ambulances for the county.
The director of public prosecutions approved the charges against the governor on July 2 after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission investigations of the governor.
“Having independently reviewed the file, I agree with EACC that there is sufficient evidence disclosed against the governor and other county officials and, therefore, directed that prosecutions should ensue as recommended by EACC,” he said.
The governor is being charged with allegations of leasing ambulances from a company owned by the Kenya Red Cross called Emergency Plus Medical Services Limited, contrary to procurement rules. Jama is also being accused of hiring unqualified staff.
The governor was, however, given a 21-day reprieve during which he may appeal the decision as ruled by Justice Weldon Korir.
Jama requested the court to allow him time pending his appeal which was accepted. The court, however, dismissed the application saying that it’s only after trial that the truth can be reached.
Korir pointed out that the DPP and the EACC had considered all facts before reaching the decision to charge him saying that the applicant had no merit in his case.