Stephen Musungu
The suppliers, whose payments amounting to Sh6.2 billion were stopped in connection with the controversial National Youth Service (NYS) “air” suppliers scandal, have accused the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) of not heeding the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to discontinue the case against them. The suppliers’ new allegations came to light during a recent High Court application where the suppliers, already in a difficult position, were trying to get the injunctive orders lifted that have stopped the release of the disputed funds.
The legal conflict arose from the contention that the payments to a number of firms associated with the NYS were irregular and possibly fraudulent, which resulted in the EACC freezing the funds. The suppliers claim that the DPP, after looking at the case, gave the opinion that it should be discontinued, but the anti-corruption agency did not follow this and went on with the case. They are now seeking the High Court’s assistance and allowing the payment of the billions that have been held up due to the ongoing legal battles.
The situation puts the NYS scandal, which has already been dragged through the court system multiple times, undergone public scrutiny, and even faced accusations against the state for misappropriation of funds, into another thrilling chapter. The High Court, in this case, is expected to be the one to decide whether the EACC’s investigation and the freeze will be enforced or if the funds will be released pending further proceedings.
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