Kirinyaga Deputy Governor Peter Ndambiri is being investigated over alleged theft of Ksh138 million from a donor-funded project in his county
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is seeking to find answers to the puzzle of missing funds from Homeland Educational International project, which aimed to provide an e-learning solution for students in low-income areas.
Homeland is funded by DLAMS International, a non-governmental organisation that helps learners in low-income areas benefit from technology in their studies.
Some Ksh571 million had been raised by donors from across the world and the project was piloted in Kirinyaga’s Karoti Girls High School.
Ndambiri is being accused of diverting the Ksh138 million to offshore accounts under his children’s names.
The ongoing investigation is expected to reveal how the money was transferred from DLAMS International’s Bank accounts and identify the beneficiaries.
Ndambiri has however denied stealing the funds as alleged.
Speaking to Nation, Ndambiri dismissed claims that the funds were diverted to offshore accounts under his children’s names. He even claimed to be the whistle blower saying that he was the first to report the issue at DCI offices in Mwea when he smelt foul play.
“The team led by Prof Mwachodzi wa Mwachofi (DLAMS President) introduced themselves and I inquired whether he had all the required documentation and approvals from the Ministry of Education.” said Ndambiri.
“But I got suspicious about the dealings and reported the matter to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Mwea constituency. There was no money received or money lost.” said Ndambiri.
The deputy governor also laughed off claims that his children have offshore accounts.
“The accusations are baseless. The fact that the DCI made some arrests indicates I did what was required of me. That is the essence of leadership, ” said Ndambiri. “Somebody somewhere could be trying to do something.”
On his part, Mwachofi, who said Ndambiri and his wife Catherine hosted him while he was implementing the project at Karoti Girls High School and confirmed that 11 members of his staff had been arrested on June 3 for allegedly running an unregistered company.
Mwachofi said the employees spent four days in Wang’uru Police Station parting ways with Ksh2.4 million in police bonds and bribes to secure their freedom.
The Ksh138 million was reportedly transferred from DLAMS while the 11 were in custody.
The investigations come at Ndambiri and his boss Governor Anne Waiguru are not reading from the same script regarding governance in Kirinyaga County.
Ndambiri recently accused the embattled governor of playing politics to evade accountability.
“The Governor must end her shenanigans and be accountable to the county assembly and residents,” Ndambiri said while referring to Waiguru’s spirited defence during her attempted ouster.
