The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Monday November 18,2024 summoned the Vice Chancellor of Moi University, Professor Isaac Kosgei, to answer questions related to a major corruption investigation involving the embezzlement of over Sh2.18 billion.
The ongoing probe centers on allegations of misappropriated funds meant for infrastructural projects at the university, with four senior officials, including Kosgei, under investigation.
In a statement issued by the EACC, the agency revealed that Kosgei, along with three other top officials from the university, has been linked to fraudulent activities concerning development projects that have raised concerns within both the public and government circles.
The officials named in the inquiry include Chief Accountant Egla Samoei, Head of Procurement Wilson Bett, and Head of the Development Unit Moses Kipkulei.
The EACC’s investigation stems from reports suggesting widespread corruption and theft of public funds within the university, with a particular focus on the mismanagement of over Sh2.18 billion allocated for various infrastructural developments.
The sum in question, according to the EACC, was supposed to fund construction and other development projects at the university, but instead, a significant portion appears to have been siphoned off by officials at the highest levels of management.
EACC Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi confirmed that the Vice Chancellor is accused of being complicit in what has been described as a “corruption den” at the university, with serious allegations that he has not only been involved in the misappropriation of funds but has also actively obstructed the commission’s ongoing investigation.
“The investigation reveals a deeply entrenched culture of corruption within the university. Professor Kosgei, as the head of the institution, is accused of facilitating or turning a blind eye to these fraudulent practices. We are determined to uncover the full extent of the corruption, and as part of this process, we have summoned him to answer to the allegations,” said Ngumbi.
In addition to the embezzlement of development funds, the university has also faced growing scrutiny over other financial irregularities in recent months. One such instance, which has drawn the attention of lawmakers, involves the construction of a new university gate.
According to an investigation by the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Education, Moi University spent an astonishing Sh29.8 million on the project, despite initially budgeting only Sh4.8 million.
The original gate was demolished after it was found to be located on a road reserve, but the cost of constructing a new gate significantly overshot the budget. The Auditor General’s report raised concerns about the justification for the massive cost increase.
The situation at Moi University has also come under further examination due to the institution’s controversial involvement with Rivatex, a textile company.
The university acquired Rivatex for Sh600 million, but revelations have since surfaced suggesting that Moi University later extended a Sh3 billion loan to the company through Exim Bank.
This financial deal, coupled with the university’s troubled financial management, has raised alarms about potential conflicts of interest and mismanagement of public funds.
These developments have painted a troubling picture of financial mismanagement and corruption at the university, prompting increased scrutiny from both governmental authorities and the public.
The EACC’s investigation is part of a broader effort to crack down on corruption in public institutions, particularly in the education sector, where public funds are meant to serve the interests of students and staff, not to enrich a few individuals.
As the investigation into the alleged embezzlement and corruption continues, all eyes are on Professor Kosgei and the other implicated officials. Should the EACC’s findings prove to be true, the consequences could be severe, with those involved facing criminal charges, including theft, fraud, and obstruction of justice.
Kosgei, Samoei, Bett, and Kipkulei are expected to appear before the EACC on Tuesday November 19,2024 to answer to the charges.
