Auditor-General Edward Ouko questions extra millions paid in Ruaraka land scandal

Auditor-General reveals details on controversial Ruaraka land scandal

Mumbi Mutuko

April 1, 2019 4:09 PM

Ruaraka land scandal is back

Auditor-General Edward Ouko

Auditor-General Edward Ouko has questioned the acquisition the 13.7 acre parcel of Ruaraka land.

In his latest Report, Ouko also questioned the payment of Ksh1.5 billion to businessman Francis Mburu, who claims to be the owner of the land.

“I am unable to confirm whether the process of acquisition was procedural and payment of Sh1.5 billion made to the vendor is a proper charge to public funds,” Mr Ouko stated in his report.

Auditor-General Edward Ouko Pulse Live Kenya

NLC report questioned

The auditor also questioned the valuation report of the National Lands Commission (NLC) for the two parcels of land which resulted in a variance of ksh6 million that was not explained.

In the report for the financial year ended June 2018 tabled in the National Assembly, the Education ministry requested NLC to commence the process leading to the compulsory acquisition of the land.

NLC, in its valuation report, determined the area for acquisition as measuring 6.9 acres for Drive Inn Primary School and 6.7 acres for Ruaraka High School at Ksh206 million per acre which translates to Ksh3, 262,136,690 billion inclusive of 15 percent disturbance allowance.

Variance of Ksh6 million

However, the valuation report availed to the auditors indicated the total valuation was Ksh3, 269,040,600, resulting in a variance of Ksh6 million.

Auditor-General Edward Ouko Pulse Live Kenya

According to the auditor, there was no justification of the payment of 15 percent disturbance allowance since the claimant of the land had not developed the land.

The report also pointed out that despite the Education ministry transferring Ksh1.5 billion to NLC for the acquisition of the land, the property had two mortgages on it which had not been cleared by then.

Mumbi Mutuko