The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched a probe into the Ksh2.6 Billion fraud scheme at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
EACC Spokesperson Erick Ngumbi revealed on Monday, November 25, that the institution’s officials allegedly colluded with different consultants and contractors to defraud the university of billions in uncompleted capital projects.
“Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology officials allegedly colluded with consultants and contractors to defraud the university off money amounting to 2.6 billion shillings in the implementation of six capital projects at the institution. Payments for these projects have already been done despite the projects being incomplete.” He said.
Ngumbi also added that EACC through its Nyanza regional office in Kisumu, has launched fresh investigations at the university in relation to a graduation ceremony that took place in October 2024, where six university officials are said to have received bribes to facilitate the graduation of more than 200 unqualified students.
“Instead of sitting for supplementary examinations, the students, colluded with the university officials to bribe their way to the graduation list,” Ngumbi said.
Following the allegations, EACC raided the institution’s former Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Gaya Agong home in Homa Bay, Kisumu, and Nairobi, where all documents relating to the six capital projects in question were retrieved.
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According to Ngumbi, the documents will aid in investigations.
This is the latest corruption case involving higher learning and tertiary institutions to be reported in the country following a similar incident at Moi University that is currently under investigation by EACC.
Moi University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Kosgey, appeared before the EACC offices in Eldoret on Wednesday to respond to queries on the alleged embezzlement of Sh2.2 billion in fraudulent infrastructural projects.
The anti-graft agency has already listed eleven projects valued at Sh2.2 billion. The projects include the proposed construction of a School of Public Health, Dentistry and Nursing and related works for Sh726.4 million.
EACC is also investigating the proposed construction of Library Phase II at Annex Campus and its related works for Sh1.1 billion, and electrical installation at the School of Public Health and Dentistry at a cost of Sh148 million.
Other projects under audit by the EACC is the electrical installation at the Library annex at a cost of Sh169 million and the construction of an amphitheater at the main campus and consultancy services for the various projects.
Other officials who have been summoned by the EACC for questioning are the institution’s Chief Accountant Egla Samoei, Head of Procurement Wilson Bett and Head of Development Unit Moses Kipkulei.
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