By Fatuma Kalume
In a significant development at the Nairobi Anti-Corruption Court, Humphrey Wende Abok, a former accountant for the State Department for Correctional Services, has been charged with the fraudulent acquisition of public property totaling Ksh. 302 million.
“Former Accountant at the State Department for Correctional Services, Humphrey Wende Abok, has been charged with fraudulent acquisition of public property amounting to Ksh. 302 million,” stated the ODPP.
According to the Office of the Director of the Public Prosecutions the charges presented at the Nairobi Anti-Corruption Court, allege that Wende and others defrauded the State Department for Correctional Services by receiving payments for goods that were never supplied.
“The prosecution revealed that between July 1, 2014, and March 29, 2018, Wende, along with co-defendants, fraudulently obtained Ksh. 301,908,000 intended for goods that were never delivered,” noted ODPP.
The investigation uncovered that these substantial funds were redirected to fictitious or non-existent suppliers.
In addition to the main fraud charge, he faces eight counts of abuse of office under Section 46 in conjunction with Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crime Act, No. 3 of 2003.
“The prosecution, led by Faith Mwila, detailed how Wende improperly allocated Ksh. 42,920,000 to Homex Logistic Enterprises, Ksh. 41,575,000 to Hygienic Ventures, Ksh. 45,152,500 to Unique Supplies, Ksh. 18,112,500 to Mulwa Farm Limited, Ksh. 12,000,000 to Joslil Supplies, Ksh. 4,780,000 to Reenn East Africa Company, Ksh. 25,650,000 to Castro Suppliers and Ksh. 50,875,000 to Stemu Supplies,” the ODPP reiterated.
“These payments were made for goods that were never supplied to the State Department for Correctional Services,” the ODPP added.
Acording to the ODPP Wende plead not guilty before Principal Magistrate Celesa Asis Okore.
However he was granted bail on a bond of Ksh. 7 million, or an alternative cash bail of Ksh. Additionally, he is required to surrender his passport and other travel documents to the court.
The case will be revisited in court for mention on September 3, 2024, where further legal proceedings will determine the next steps in this case.