Former Garsen Member of Parliament Danson Mungatana was today put to task by anti-graft detectives to explain his alleged role in the questionable Sh51 million payment by Kilifi County government.
The money was paid to a company linked to him for delivery or provision of unexplained services.
After five hours of grilling, Mungatana emerged from Integrity Centre and denied any involvement saying his name was dragged into the matter by rival politicians.
However, sources at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (Eacc) disclosed that they are keen to establish the money Mungatana received through electronic financial transactions from Lucy Wanjugu Kibogo, a director of Zohal Services.
“I am very happy to have had this chance to voluntarily appear and clear my name which is an unfortunate clear case of mudslinging. My lawyers and I have decided to go to the bottom of this. I reiterate that somebody cannot use my name. Money was lost and you must bear the burden of guilt, ” Mungatana said.
He reported at the commissions’ offices at 10:30am and left at 4:05pm.
Through a sworn affidavit, Lucy incriminated the former Mp and now Tana River governorship aspirant that he had requested her to receive money on his behalf through her Zohal Services firm.
And in a sharp contradiction, Mungatana yesterday disowned her as a stranger.
“Those who have sworn these affidavits have no basis. I don’t know them. This was well planned by politicians. We also know this is a political year and many things will be said.” Mungatana added.
He was accompanied by his three lawyers Ndegwa Njiru, Simon Mburu and Charles Mwangi.
Mungatana said he is a victim of political witch hunt but urged all those adversely named in corruption allegations to be ready to clear their names.
A total of ten Kilifi County staff have been suspended and directors of three companies charged in court over the theft of Sh51million through manipulation of the Integrated Financial Management System (Ifmis).
Three suspects believed to have defrauded Kilifi County of the funds have already been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime.
Besides Lucy others charged in court in connection with the scam are Sarah Kamau (Daima One Enterprises) and Stephen Ngunzi (Kilingi investments).
They have since denied the charges.