Graft Suspect Secure State Job

Jared Peter Odoyo Kwaga has been appointed to the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC). Kwaga was appointed by the Information Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru for a three-year term despite being a suspect in a Sh2 billion graft probe.

The probe relates to the alleged corruption of Migori Governor Okoth Obado. Kwaga, along with several of his relatives, stands accused of being a key proxy in the Governor’s schemes. Kenya’s Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) listed Kwaga as a respondent when it sought to trace and freeze the assets of Obado. The EACC has also identified seven companies owned by Kwaga that it alleged received money from dubious contracts that was then sent on to Obado and his daughter.  

Kwaga’s name has also been raised in connection with the purchase of 37 pieces of land in Migori. While Kwaga has not been convicted on any charges the EACC spokesperson Yasin Amaro has nonetheless challenged his appointment to KIMC, stating, "If someone is under investigation they cannot be appointed to public office until investigations are completed. According to Chapter Six of the Constitution, it is a requirement.”