By Grace Gilo
Two former employees of the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) were arraigned today in the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court with offenses related to violations of procurement law and abuse of office.
Pamela Nduku Mutua, the former Managing Director and Amos Juma Sikuku, the former Supply Chain and Logistics Manager are facing charges of Wilful Failure to Comply with Procurement Laws and Abuse of Office, respectively.
Pamela is facing five counts of Wilful Failure to Comply with procurement regulations.
As per the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Pamela, in her capacity as the Managing Director and Accounting Officer, neglected to report to the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority following the issuance of Notifications of Awards to Purma Holdings Limited, Multi Commerce FZC, Standard Petroleum LLC, and Makram Imports & Exports.
She is also accused of failing to obtain the necessary approvals before initiating the procurement of bulk commodities.
Amos is alleged to have a prejudicial professional opinion in a tender for bulk commodities procurement, supposedly jeopardizing the interests and rights of the Republic.
“They are alleged to have committed the offences between November 8, 2022, and December 5, 2022, within the Republic of Kenya,” stated the ODPP.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges before Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki.
Pamela Nduku was granted bail of KSh 1.5 Million or a bond of Ksh. 5 million with one surety of the same amount.
On the other hand, Amos Juma was given bail of Ksh. 500,000 or a bond of Ksh. 1 million.
They were instructed to surrender their passports to the court and warned against tampering with prosecution witnesses.
The case, prosecuted by Wesley Nyamache and Delroy Mwasaru, is set for a pre-trial conference on August 12, 2024.