By Wilfred Kizito
The former Principal of Garissa University College, Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa, has been charged with abuse of office in connection with the controversial construction of a 750-capacity student hostel at the institution.
Appearing before Hon. Magistrate Isabellah Barasa at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court, Prof. Mulaa pleaded not guilty to charges brought under Section 46 as read with Section 48(1) of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Prof. Mulaa conceived and pushed forward a proposal for the hostel’s construction, despite opposition from certain departmental heads and the absence of formal clearance from government architects under the Ministry of Public Works.
“He presented this proposal to the University College Council, complete with architectural drawings. However, the plan sparked mixed reactions among various section heads, due to the fact that these drawings had not received the necessary scrutiny or approval from Government Architects at the Ministry of Public Works,” stated the DCI.
Further, a representative of Archipoint Consulting Architects participated in the tender evaluation committee without an appropriate appointment letter, thereby holding two roles in the process, contrary to the Public Procurement and Disposal Act.
Prof. Mulaa pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on a bond of Sh500,000, with an alternative option for cash bail set at Sh50,000.
The case is scheduled for a virtual pre-trial mention on August 19, 2025.