Ex-DCI Boss Ordered Probe into Jambo Pay Scam, Court Told

A retired police commissioner has revealed explosive details in court, linking senior officers at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to a probe targeting Jambo Pay agents over alleged fraud involving Nairobi City Hall revenue.

Joseph Ondoro, a former Commissioner of Police attached to the DCI Headquarters, testified that he received direct instructions from then-DCI Director Ndegwa Muhoro to lead a cybercrime investigation against Jambo Pay agents. The agents were allegedly collecting revenue on behalf of City Hall through unauthorised parallel outlets but failing to remit the full amounts.

Ondoro told the court that the operation was triggered by a formal complaint lodged by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and Bunge la Mwananchi President Henry Shitanda, accusing Webtribe and Jambo Pay CEO Danson Muchemi of financial misconduct.

In a shocking twist, Ondoro testified that Muchemi allegedly attempted to bribe Governor Sonko at his Kanamai residence. Due to jurisdictional limits, Ondoro referred the matter to the DCI Mtwapa office. Two detectives were assigned to accompany Sonko, who was equipped with a hidden recording device. The officers took cover nearby as Sonko secretly recorded his full conversation with Muchemi.

Meanwhile, former Nairobi County Finance CEC Winfred Gathagu told the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court that senior State House officials allegedly conspired to remove Sonko from office in 2019 by orchestrating a graft scandal to justify his impeachment. She claimed she was pressured to support the plot due to Sonko’s perceived anti-corruption stance, and alleged that several strategy meetings were held at State House. Gathagu denied any involvement in financial irregularities and insisted Sonko played no role in county payments.

Separately, on July 16, a police Chief Inspector dropped another bombshell in the Sh20 million graft case against Sonko. He testified that Jambo Pay CEO Danson Muchemi had offered to pay Sonko between Sh4 million and Sh5 million daily to allow him to continue collecting revenue for the county.

Detective Kiptoo Kisorio also testified that Sonko’s predecessor, Dr. Evans Kidero, allegedly made over Sh7 billion during his tenure as Nairobi Governor through the same revenue collection contract.

The case continues to unfold, with more witnesses expected to testify.

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