ODPP Sues Ex-Bomas Of Kenya CEO Over KSh 8.5m Procurement Irregularities

• In November 2023, President William Ruto suspended top management officials in government parastatals and entities over corruption
• Former Bomas of Kenya chief executive officer Peter Gitaa Karao was among those suspended and investigated by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)
• Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions announced it will charge Gitaa for procurement irregularities after EACC concluded investigations.

TUKO.co.ke journalist Wycliffe Musalia brings over five years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

Axed Bomas of Kenya CEO Peter Gitaa Koria faces prosecution for procurement irregularities.

Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions announced a decision to charge Gitaa with procurement irregularities amounting to KSH 8.5 million.

Which charges does ex-CEO of Bomas face?

DPP Renson Ingonga took the decision after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) concluded its investigations.

"DPP has today made the decision to charge Mr Peter Gitaa Koria, the suspended Bomas of Kenya CEO over procurement irregularities amounting to KSh 8,587,831. This follows a probe conducted by EACC on procurement irregularities and splitting of tenders," read ODDP's statement released on Friday, April 26.

Gitaa was accused of irregularly awarding tenders to suppliers for the financial year 2020/2021.

The DP said that the tenders were not factored in the Bomas of Kenya's Budget and Procurement Plan.

According to the DPP, the CEO will be charged with:

• Willful failure to comply with the law requiring engagement in procurement with approved budget.
• Willful failure to comply with the law requiring engagement in procurement with an approved procurement plan.
• Willful failure to comply with the law relating to procurement by failing to establish an Ad Hoc inspection and acceptance committee.

Ruto's plan to fight corruption

President William Ruto said his government will not tolerate corruption and embezzlement of public funds.

Ruto's administration suspended top management officials implicated in corruption scandals in the past one year since taking over office.

In November 2023, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei directed respective ministries to suspend six Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) for alleged corruption and procurement irregularities.

Gitaa was among the six put under EACC investigations for alleged procurement irregularities in supplies for the institution.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.