According to news breaking out now, a well-known Mt Kenya businessman, Charles Chege has been fined Sh295 million or serve nine years in prison after being found guilty of corruption in a Sh588 million road tender scandal in Kiambu.
The ruling, delivered by the court this evening has confirmed that Chege was involved in fraudulent procurement, leading to the mismanagement of public funds. His sentence has sent a strong message about the fight against corruption in Kenya.
Alongside Chege, former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu has also been sentenced to 12 years in prison. However, he has the option of paying a Sh53.5 million fine to avoid serving his full term. Waititu was found guilty of corruption charges linked to the same fraudulent road tender.
Waititu’s wife, Susan Wangari has also been convicted in the case. She faces a one-year jail term or a fine of Sh500,000. The court has ruled that all the convicts have been barred from holding any public office for the next 10 years.
The case, which has been under investigation for years, has highlighted deep-rooted corruption in government tenders. The judiciary has taken a firm stand, ensuring that those involved face the consequences of their actions.
However, as Kenyans, we also support the strict penalties imposed on the corrupt individuals, because the government must continue its crackdown on corruption, ensuring accountability in public offices.
As things stand, Chege, Waititu and Wangari have limited options, either pay the hefty fines or serve their respective jail terms. The court’s decision has set a precedent, warning others involved in corrupt dealings that justice will be served.
By Nation