The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched investigations into a multi-million-shilling corruption scandal involving the fraudulent disposal of public assets belonging to Matili Technical Training Institute (MTTI), amid revelations of fake debt claims and irregular tender variations.
On Monday, proprietors of two auctioneer firms—Brown Tsuma Mukanda and Kennedy Kweyu Shikuku of Eshikhoni Auctioneers, and Samson Itonde of Dominion Auctioneers—presented themselves to EACC detectives for questioning. The auctioneers are accused of colluding with private contractors and public officials to illegally dispose of institute property.
Among the assets sold was a vehicle belonging to the institute's driving school, valued at KShs 5.4 million, which was auctioned off for a mere KShs 1.2 million. Eshikhoni Auctioneers reportedly pocketed the proceeds despite the debt prompting the auction being fake and fraudulent.
Dominion Auctioneers is also under investigation for being hired by Ramagon Construction Company Limited to seize additional MTTI assets based on another fabricated payment claim. According to the EACC, this claim has been confirmed as non-existent.
The investigation follows the arrest last Thursday of three directors of Ramagon Construction Company: Abdi Barre Abdi, Hassan Bare Abdi, and Nagenye Mohamud Dahir. The trio is suspected of orchestrating fraudulent procurement deals and theft of public funds in collusion with unnamed public officials.
Preliminary findings indicate the company irregularly varied Tender No. MTTI/MOHEST/2/2010-2011, initially valued at KShs 29,311,659, to KShs 58,997,852, for the construction of a twin workshops complex at the institute. The inflated contract allegedly resulted in an overpayment of KShs 22 million for work that was never done.
Furthermore, the company is accused of devising a scheme to fraudulently extract an additional KShs 9,071,000 from MTTI, which they had already received, prompting the illegal auctions.
The arrested directors were released on bond after recording statements and are required to report back to EACC headquarters on May 29, 2025, as investigations continue.
The EACC has pledged to pursue all individuals and entities involved in the scandal, which it says constitutes serious economic crimes, including conspiracy, theft of public funds, and unlawful acquisition of public property.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability and recovery of public resources lost through fraudulent schemes.
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