Six officials from the Nakuru County Department of Lands and a private vendor have been charged over an alleged irregular Sh50 million procurement of land meant for a health centre in Umoja Lanet Ward, Bahati Sub-County.
The accused include Judyleah Gathoni Waihenya, the Chief Officer in the Department of Lands, Housing and Physical Planning and Accounting Officer; Samuel Wachira Gachigi, Acting Director of Supply Chain Management Services; Ann Wangui Muya, a departmental accountant; Jane Karungari Muriuki, a senior physical planner; and Sammy Munga Nyagah, Deputy Director of Administration.
The sixth accused is private vendor Samuel Githure Maina.
The six face 10 counts linked to the alleged procurement of the parcel, including conspiracy to commit an economic crime, undertaking a project without prior planning, wilful failure to comply with procurement laws, forgery and abuse of office.
According to the charges, the alleged offences were committed between October 2019 and October 2020 in connection with Tender No. NCG/DP/LHPP/05/2019/2020, which involved the proposed purchase of land for the construction of a health centre.
The prosecution alleges that the officials and the vendor conspired to commit an economic crime involving Sh50 million in public funds during the procurement process.
The prosecution further claims that the project was started without prior planning and that key procurement requirements were not followed.
Among the alleged failures was the requirement to ensure that funds were available before the procurement process was undertaken.
Five of the accused appeared in court and denied the charges against them.
Maina, who is the sixth accused, is expected to take plea at a later date.
Following their plea, the five accused were released on a Sh2 million bond, with one surety of a similar amount. They were also given the option of paying Sh250,000 in cash bail.
The case relates to land identified as parcel No. LR Dundori/Lanet Block 5/894, which was intended for the proposed health centre in Umoja Lanet Ward.
The matter will return to court on September 23, 2026, for further directions.