Trouble is brewing at the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) after a Kenyan filed a petition to remove the agency’s chairperson, Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia.
Elizabeth Ochieng’ has filed a petition to President William Ruto, through Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, to initiate investigations against Rev. Kobia over various allegations of abuse of office, gross financial mismanagement and academic fraud.
In her petition, Ochieng’ has laid down claims that she feels should warrant the kicking of Rev. Kobia out of office.
For instance, on grounds of abuse of office, Ochieng’ argues that Rev. Kobia signed two letters for the previous Chief Executive Officer Dr. Skitter Wangeci, one for three years and the other for five years.
The five-year contract was specifically to assist Dr. Skitter in securing a mortgage at an interest rate of 3%, a rate exclusively designated for state officers, despite her not being entitled to such privileges. This constitutes abuse of office and potentially fraudulent misrepresentation, which is a direct violation of Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya on Leadership and Integrity and the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003. We note that this specific matter is currently pending investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI),” the petition, seen by TV47 Digital, reads in part.
Ochieng’, in the petition, is also accusing Rev. Kobia of making unauthorised withdrawal of funds from NCIC’s accounts in the name of ‘confedential funds’, without board approval.
She is also claiming that the Chairperson took overdrafts against the Public Finance Management Act, 2012 without proper approvals, forcing the organization to incur substantial interest rates, [in] direct contravention of the regulations concerning borrowing by public entities.
She further alleges that Rev. Kobia undertook numerous international trips at great expense while the institution faces severe financial constraints. Additionally, Ochieng’ argues that Rev. Kobia has failed to adequately address significant queries raised in recent audit reports, indicating a lack of financial accountability.
On grounds of academic fraud, Ochieng’ alleges that Rev. Kobia is alleged to possess fake academic papers, which calls into question their legitimacy for holding such a critical position.
In her prayers, Ochieng’ is now calling upon President Ruto to initiate a thorough investigation to probe these allegations, and recommend his immediate removal from office, based on the findings of the investigation.
She is also calling on the President to ensures the implementation of robust oversight mechanisms within the Commission to prevent such occurrences in the future and to safeguard the financial integrity, public
trust, and reputation of the institution.
