MALINDI, Kilifi County—A decade-long corruption case involving millions of shillings meant for the people of Kilifi County has ended in conviction, with ten individuals and companies found guilty of fraud and money laundering in a scheme that siphoned more than Sh51.5 million from public coffers.
The Malindi Anti-Corruption Court ruled that the stolen funds, which were meant to support public services and development projects, instead enriched private individuals and businesses, leaving residents deprived of critical government services.
Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Usui, while sentencing the convicts, said the offences caused significant economic harm to Kilifi County and underscored the devastating impact corruption continues to have on ordinary wananchi.
The court found that between September 19 and October 7, 2016, Sh51,569,775 was unlawfully transferred from the County Government of Kilifi to several private firms for goods that were never supplied and services that were never delivered.
The companies that benefited from the payments included Daima One Enterprises, Zohali Services Limited, Makegra Suppliers Limited, Kilingi Investments Limited, Leadership Edge Associates and Jahazi Investments Company Limited.
In her ruling, Magistrate Usui observed that the proceeds of the crime had largely been used for personal enrichment and had not been recovered or returned to the public.
While acknowledging that the accused were first-time offenders and family breadwinners, the court emphasized that corruption remains one of the greatest threats to public service delivery and economic development, warranting stiff punishment.
The sentences included millions of shillings in fines, mandatory penalties equivalent to the unlawful benefits obtained and lengthy prison terms in default of payment.
Among those sentenced was Sarah Wangui Kamau, who was ordered to pay Sh17.46 million or serve five years and eight months behind bars.
Mary Munyiva Kamau was fined Sh26.03 million and faces 13 years in prison if she fails to pay, while Makegra Suppliers Limited was fined Sh25.73 million.
Lucy Wanjugu Kibogo received the harshest punishment, attracting fines of Sh38.29 million and a default prison sentence of 15 years and six months.
The court also handed hefty penalties to Stephen Mutua Nguzi, Samuel Buku Macharia and the companies linked to the fraudulent transactions.
All the convicts were granted 14 days to appeal the conviction and sentence.
Welcoming the verdict, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission described the judgment as a major milestone in the country’s efforts to combat corruption and recover stolen public resources.
The commission said the ruling demonstrates that individuals and companies involved in the theft and laundering of public funds can no longer expect to escape accountability.
For the people of Kilifi, the judgment closes a chapter on a scandal that drained millions from county coffers and serves as a reminder of the heavy cost corruption imposes on public development and service delivery.
