Two former employees of the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) were charged Tuesday in the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court with serious procurement law violations and abuse of office.
Pamela Nduku Mutua, the former Managing Director, and Amos Juma Sikuku, the ex-Supply Chain and Logistics Manager, are facing multiple charges in connection with their roles at KNTC.
Mutua has been charged with five counts of Wilful Failure to Comply with Procurement Laws, while Sikuku is charged with Abuse of Office.
The court heard that Mutua, in her capacity as Managing Director and Accounting Officer, failed to report the issuance of Notifications of Awards to several companies, including Purma Holdings Limited and Multi Commerce FZC.
Additionally, she is alleged to have commenced procurement of bulk commodities without the requisite approvals from the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority.
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Sikuku is accused of issuing a prejudicial professional opinion during the tendering process for bulk commodities, allegedly compromising the interests of the Republic of Kenya.
Both charges pertain to actions committed between November 8, 2022, and December 5, 2022.
During the court session, both accused pleaded not guilty.
Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzyoki granted bail to Pamela Nduku Mutua set at KSh 1.5 million or a bond of KSh 5 million with one surety of the same amount.
Amos Juma Sikuku was granted bail of KSh 500,000 or a bond of KSh 1 million.
Both defendants were required to deposit their passports with the court and are prohibited from interfering with prosecution witnesses.
The prosecution, led by Wesley Nyamache and Delroy Mwasaru, is preparing for a pre-trial conference scheduled for August 12, 2024.
