Peter Gitaa Koria, the suspended Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bomas of Kenya is now a free man after he was acquitted of all charges related to alleged procurement irregularities amounting to Sh 8.6 million
Milimani Anti-Corruption Court acquitted Gitaa after it ruled that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate the claims against him.
Koria faced accusations of improperly awarding public tenders for kitchen supplies, including utensils, plates, cups, and cutlery.
These supplies, which included essential items such as plates, cutlery, utensils, and other kitchen items, were alleged to have been excluded from Bomas of Kenya’s Budget and Procurement Plan for the 2020/2021 financial year.
The specific tenders Quotation Nos. 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 were at the heart of the allegations that Koria had bypassed legal procurement procedures and caused potential financial harm to the public institution.
However, the court found no evidence of malice in the procurement process and upheld its legality, clearing Koria of any wrongdoing.
The defense successfully demonstrated that the procurement followed the correct procedures and that the items were accounted for within the budget.
Testimonies from witnesses, including members of Bomas of Kenya’s procurement team, reinforced the defense’s position.
They confirmed that the procurement process had been handled transparently, with all necessary approvals obtained prior to issuing the tenders.
The court emphasized that the prosecution had failed to prove any case against Koria, and therefore, he was entitled to be acquitted of all seven counts leveled against him.
Following his arraignment over the alleged procurement violations, Koria was suspended from his position as CEO.
