The High Court has frozen prison officers’ land, at least seven cars, and a house in Nairobi estimated to be worth Sh17.5 million for six months.
The accused, Eric Kipkurui works at the Department of Correction Services and is said to have benefitted from tenders worth Sh257 million between 2012 and 2016.
Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) intimated that the frozen property might have been purchased using proceeds of crime.
“The properties purchased constitute proceeds of corrupt conduct or corruption that the applicant is mandated to seek recovery or forfeiture from the 1st Respondent (Mutai),” the EACC submitted.
According to court documents, the prison officer allegedly supplied the Prisons with supplies paid Sh257 million between 2012 and 2016.
Kipkurui was the sole proprietor of seven companies: Nique Supplies, Homex Logistics enterprises, and Hygienic Ventures.
The companies did not supply the prisons with any items. He, however, did allegedly buy land in Nyaribari Chache in Kisii County, Kipchimchim in Kericho County and another property in Nairobi.
Kipkurui also bought seven motor vehicles, all valued at Sh30 million. Although no supplies were made, money was wired to his bank accounts opened in 2016 and 2017. He later withdrew the money and purchased the said properties.
“That it is, therefore, necessary to preserve the properties for six months as allowed by the law pending the conclusion of investigations and institution or recovery proceedings,” EACC said.
The court heard a request to prohibit any transfer or disposal of property.
The case will be mentioned on October 25 to confirm the status of investigations.