Two multi-million malls, 24 cars and plots among National Youth Service suspects' assets targeted by government

Two multi-million malls, 24 cars, plots and other properties worth millions belonging to NYS scam suspects are among assets the government has targeted.
Among those set to appear in court to face corruption charges is a senior NYS official, who is said to be constructing two multi-million malls on Kangundo Road, in Nairobi.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji announced he had a watertight case

Two multi-million malls under construction in Nairobi, 24 cars, plots and other properties worth millions belonging to NYS scam suspects are among assets the government has targeted in the ongoing crackdown on National Youth Service (NYS) scandal.

Among those set to appear in court to face corruption charges is a senior NYS official, who is said to be constructing two multi-million malls on Kangundo Road, in Nairobi.

The State has also identified several properties owned by individuals widely mentioned in the scam for recovery by the government’s Assets and Recovery Agency as well as freezing suspects' bank accounts.

“In addition to prosecution, we are looking at recovering the proceeds of crimes as well as establishing the tax status of the companies and individuals in the crimes,” Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji said yesterday during a press briefing.

“In the meantime, several bank accounts that the funds were channeled through have been frozen. My office is working with DCI and the Assets Recovery Agency in that regard,” he added.

Mr. Haji announced he had a watertight case against 64 suspects - individuals and companies in phase one of the crackdown.

They include more than 40 public servants and 14 directors and proprietors of business entities that worked with the National Youth Service since 2013.

On Monday, detectives from the Flying Squad and Special Crimes Prevention Unit raided the several suspect’s homes including the home of embattled Public Service PS Lillian Mbogo-Omollo, who was early this month forced to step aside to pave way for investigations on the Sh9 billion ($90m) NYS scandal.

Anne Ngirita, the 30-year old Naivasha based entrepreneur who allegedly received Sh59 million for supplying ‘air’ to the government's youth empowerment agency was also arrested at her home in Naivasha.

NYS Director-General Richard Dubai, and his deputy Sam Michuki, are among the high-profile officials who have been arrested and expected to be arraigned at the Milimani High Courts.

A businessman who is a suspect and whose wife was recently blocked from travelling out of the country had his fleet of more than 20 cars flagged until investigations are complete.

The man and his wife were among those who were detained on Monday and are set to appear in court on Tuesday to face charges of theft and fraud.

The merchant has 20 saloon cars and four luxury four-wheel drive cars.

The Assets and Recovery Agency, which was part of the multi-agency team pursuing the case, had been profiling the property before they moved to courts to get freezing orders.