In a notable development in the ongoing battle against corruption in Kenya, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has officially opposed a motion put forth by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to dismiss a significant graft case against Gabriel Bukachi Chapia. This case, overseen by Chief Magistrate C.N. Ondieki, centers on allegations that Chapia falsified academic credentials to secure influential roles in three public institutions: as the ICT Manager at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in 2009, as the ICT Manager at Kenya Investment Authority in 2010, and as the Ward Administrator at Nairobi City County Government in 2014.
The EACC claims that Chapia improperly received a total of Ksh.9.7 million in salaries from these positions, a sum they are now working to recover fully. The commission detailed the amounts earned by Chapia during his tenure in these roles: Ksh.182,751 from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Ksh.3.3 million from Kenya Investment Authority, and Ksh.6.2 million from Nairobi City County Government.
Furthermore, evidence has emerged suggesting that Chapia’s Bachelor of Science degree from Maseno University is fraudulent, as he was never actually enrolled there.The allegations don’t stop there; the EACC also contends that Chapia forged a Master’s degree in Information Technology from Daystar University, which has publicly stated that it does not offer such a program.
In a surprising twist, the DPP recently filed a motion to withdraw the charges against Chapia, arguing that he requested a reassessment of the decision to prosecute.In a strong response, the EACC filed an affidavit on November 4, urging the court to deny the DPP’s motion, which they deemed arbitrary and a flagrant disregard for public interest. They expressed concern regarding the DPP’s sudden shift in perspective, highlighting that he had previously reviewed the evidence and determined there was adequate justification for proceeding with the prosecution.The affidavit articulated a stern warning:
“The DPP’s proposed withdrawal of this case could lead to an untimely resolution, undermining the seriousness of the offense and the necessity for deterrence.”
The EACC emphasized that the DPP’s powers should not obstruct the pursuit of justice and must be exercised with the public’s interests in mind.As the situation unfolds, court proceedings are scheduled to resume on November 7, 2024, when the DPP will present its submissions.
This case continues to serve as a crucial reminder of the fight against corruption and the ongoing efforts to uphold integrity in public service. Stay tuned for updates as we follow this significant legal battle.
