Accountants slam Covid-19 funds theft, call for punishment of offenders

By Noel Wandera
Thursday, August 20th, 2020

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) has called for the freezing, repossession, and prosecution of individuals and companies found culpable of embezzling Covid-19 funds.

Chairperson Rose Mwaura yesterday asked the government to speedily investigate and arraign all persons suspected of having been involved directly or indirectly in such schemes.

“If found culpable, the perpetrators should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and all assets acquired with such funds repossessed without undue delay,” she said.

ICPAK is the second professional business body after the Kenya Private Sector Alliance to call for action on wanton misuse of Covid-19 emergency funds by the Ministry of Health officials, Kenya Medical Supplies Agency, and other State agencies in collusion with businesses fronted by unidentified persons.

Recent media reports also indicate alleged diversion of, or disappearance and resale at a profit of the personal protective equipment donated by Chinese philanthropist Jack Ma.

The allegations are currently being investigated by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the National Assembly, which Mwaura said points at systematic corruption networks that have infiltrated various levels of government including ministries, State agencies and corporations.

“It has been reported that billions of shillings from State coffers, donations, emergency loans, and grants may have gone down the drain.

If proven true, this conduct goes against the government’s fight against graft and undermines citizens’ legitimate expectations of their government,” she said.

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