Bomas of Kenya’s embattled Chief Executive Officer, Peter Gitaa Koria, is facing charges for procurement irregularities totaling KSh8.5 million. The decision to prosecute Koria, who is currently suspended from his position, stems from an investigation conducted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), as confirmed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The investigation revealed that Koria was involved in procurement irregularities, including the fragmentation of tenders, which led to the improper allocation of contracts to suppliers during the 2020/2021 financial year. Specifically, the ODPP highlighted irregularities in the awarding of public tenders for various items such as kitchen utensils, plates, cups, and cutlery. These tenders were not aligned with Bomas of Kenya’s Budget and Procurement Plan for the fiscal year in question.
The ODPP has outlined three charges against Koria:
- Willful failure to adhere to procurement laws by initiating procurement processes without an approved budget.
- Willful failure to adhere to procurement laws by initiating procurement processes without an approved procurement plan.
- Willful failure to adhere to procurement laws by neglecting to establish an Ad Hoc Inspection & Acceptance Committee.
In emphasizing its commitment to upholding the rule of law and serving the public interest, the ODPP affirms its dedication to executing its constitutional mandate with integrity and fairness, while ensuring justice is served and preventing any abuse of the legal process.
