Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Social Services and Talent Management in a scheme to embezzle public funds through companies linked to her family members.
Sources have revealed that Kilonzo who previously served as a Ward Administrator and Chief Officer in the same department allegedly exploited her influential position within the Governor’s Office to funnel lucrative county tenders to her relatives.
The financial irregularities are linked to companies registered under her family members which have reportedly received millions of shillings in county contracts.
According to extracts from the Kwale County Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) a company named Diani Occasions, registered under the name Muema Christopher Kilonzo, the brother of CECM Kilonzo, was awarded supply tenders amounting to Ksh 33,670,000 during the 2021/2022 financial year.
The company’s registration details show it was established on November 5, 2019 under business registration number BN-EZCPMDY.
Further investigations revealed another company, R Flink owned by Fatuma Hassan Marumbo and Fatuma Kilonzo, sisters of the CECM received tenders worth Ksh 90,296,000 between 2018 and 2022.
This company was registered as a Private Limited Company on January 14, 2016 under registration number 1174115566.
A critical examination of the Kwale County Government’s List of Qualified Suppliers disclosed that neither Diani Occasions nor R Flink was listed as qualified suppliers.
This omission suggests that the tenders were fraudulently awarded in clear violation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and the Public Procurement and Disposal Act (PPDA).
These revelations have sparked outrage and demands for accountability within Kwale County as citizens and stakeholders call for a thorough investigation into the alleged corruption.
The case underscores the ongoing challenges of graft within county governments and raises serious questions about the integrity of public procurement processes.
As the scandal unfolds, pressure is mounting on the Kwale County Government to take swift action and ensure that those involved in the alleged embezzlement of public funds are held accountable.
The situation remains dynamic with further developments expected in the coming days.
