Hotbed of graft: Sleuths cracking puzzle how Kwale CECM Francisca Kilonzo received KSh150m pay
A high powered multiagency team of anti-corruption sleuths is investigating the payment of Ksh 150,610,711 million to a Kwale County Executive Committee Member (CECM) through shadowy companies managed by her associates and family members.
According to thetimes.co.ke, the detectives have obtained numerous files related to Kwale County, focusing on the Social Service and Talent Management department under Francisca Kilonzo, who has reportedly received millions through fraudulent payments.
Documents in possession of the news site, it says, reveal that Kilonzo exploited three firms to siphon millions via dubious contracts, violating the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act of 2015.
Questionable Companies and Payments
The companies implicated are:
- Diani Occasions: Received Ksh 33,700,000 million.
- Mutanga Investments: Received Ksh 266,644,200 million.
- R Flink: Received Ksh 90,296,011 million.
A search revealed that Mutanga Investments is owned by undisclosed directors, but detectives suspect Kilonzo’s direct involvement. The company is registered as C.28582, a private limited company.
Directors include Peter Njagi, Catherine Sonia Wairimu Mahan, Abraham Vinner, Yvonne Murugi Mimano, Rose Mumbi Minamo, Charlotte Wamuyu Mimano, and Ian Mbuthia Mimano. The company’s contracts are marked by overpricing and invoicing for unperformed work, reports The Times.
R Flink, which received Ksh 90,296,011 million for similar projects, is owned by Kilonzo’s sister. The company is registered at Msambweni Road, P.O. Box 14, City/Town. Directors include Fatuma Hassan Marumbo and Fatuma Kilonzo.
Diani Occasions, which siphoned Ksh 33,670,500 million, primarily for ghost supplies, is owned by her late nephew, Muema Christopher Kilonzo, who remains listed as the proprietor.
Alleged Involvement of Finance Chief Officer
Kilonzo reportedly collaborated with Chief Officer Finance, Alex Onduko. The two are allegedly in a relationship and live together in Ukunda Kona. They have been seen commuting in a Range Rover, registered as KDJ 660V.
Onduko has also profited through Cloemart Company, which secured a tender for constructing an oxygen plant at Msambweni Hospital for the financial year 2021/2022, with a budget of Ksh 16,000,000.
Cloemart was also awarded the contract for constructing Kilolapwa Laboratory, where millions were reportedly wasted. Cloemart is linked to Onduko’s partner, Chloe Kalamesi, who has connections within the corrupt network.
Wider Corruption Network
This investigation reveals a pervasive corruption network within Kwale County’s public procurement sector, spreading across multiple departments.
Several senior officials have been previously apprehended for corruption, including Masoud Shughuli, Chief Officer Roads, Public Works Salim Nzimbu, Water Executive Committee Member Hamedi Mwabudzo, Finance Executive Committee Member Bakari Hassan Sebe, Roads and Public Works Committee member Joto Ali Mwachirumbi, and Chief Officer Roads Hamisi Bweini Dzila.
Call for Asset Recovery
Some MCAs are advocating for the Asset Recovery Agency to trace and recover properties amassed by Onduko and his associates.
Onduko is believed to have accumulated properties worth over Ksh 200 million in the past three years through dubious tenders, fraudulent payments, and partnerships with the procurement department.
Head of Treasury Vincent Chirima is also implicated, allegedly benefiting from revenue diversions alongside Onduko.
