The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested Esther Wanjiru Chege, an Assistant Accountant at the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) – Kajiado, over allegations of conflict of interest and unlawful acquisition of public property.
Wanjiru Chege, alongside three other suspects, was taken into custody on May 2, 2025, following the conclusion of investigations into irregular tender awards involving companies closely linked to her immediate family members.
Wanjiru is alleged to have used her position at KeRRA to influence the award of public contracts to companies owned by her spouse and brother.
Key among them is Reswan Enterprises Limited, a company whose bank accounts were operated by Wanjiru herself, despite being registered in the name of her brother, James Chege Njoroge, and businessman James Ngigi Kamau.
EACC investigations established that Rokays Enterprise Limited, Reswan Holdings Limited, and Kaydtech Enterprises Limited, all owned by Wanjiru’s spouse, Robert Macharia Kimotho, were awarded multiple tenders during the period she served in various KeRRA regional offices.
Upon conclusion of investigations, the case file was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who, upon review, concurred with the EACC’s recommendations to charge the suspects with various offences under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA).
The suspects were arraigned in Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
They are facing various charges, including Conflict of Interest, Unlawful Acquisition of Public Property, and Conspiracy to Commit an Offence of Economic Crime, among others.
Besides the criminal charges against Wanjiru Chege, the Commission is pursuing the suspect in an ongoing unexplained wealth suit seeking to forfeit Sh38,610,843.91 suspected to have been obtained as a result of corrupt conduct. Wanjiru, whose net salary during the period under review increased from Sh49,580 in January 2016 to Sh116,640 by May 2022 was found to be in possession of assets that are disproportionate to her known legitimate sources of income.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The court will issue directions on bail/bond terms on May 9, 2025.
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