In a startling revelation, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has disclosed the reasons behind the suspension of its Director General, Ezra Chiloba. A recent report from the ninth special Board Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (Barac) meeting, held on August 8, 2023, has brought to light allegations of misconduct and abuse of the authority’s mortgage scheme against Chiloba and nine others, accusing them of a profound breach of their contractual obligations.
One of the primary accusations against Chiloba is his alleged involvement in the approval of a mortgage loan without adhering to due process. The loan, reportedly intended for the purchase of a property involving Chiloba and another party, was seemingly self-approved, raising significant concerns.
Furthermore, Chiloba stands accused of exceeding the permissible land limit of one acre under the Civil Servants Housing Scheme by purchasing a house and acquiring seven acres of land. This blatant disregard for established guidelines has only added to the gravity of the situation.
Intriguingly, the report reveals a troubling lapse in the diligence process during the loan application. A junior staff member is said to have approved the loan without adequate verification or examination of pertinent information. This included neglecting to scrutinize the relationship between the seller and the buyer, as well as the size of the property, resulting in a disturbing lack of oversight.
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, questions were raised about funds being transferred to a bank account under the name of Kitale Hilmost Ltd., a company purportedly linked to Chiloba. Further investigation into the identity of the seller uncovered that Ezra Chiloba Simiyu was both the sole director and shareholder of Kitale Hilmost Ltd., as well as the buyer of the property. Such actions have raised suspicions of potential offenses under Section 41 and 42 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.
Chiloba’s woes don’t end there. His conduct while holding the position of Director General has come under scrutiny, with allegations of misconduct. As the Accounting Officer for the Authority, his actions were measured against the provisions of Sections 11, 12, and 13 of the Leadership and Integrity Act, which reportedly found him in contravention of these regulations and in violation of the Code of Ethics. This has exposed him to potential disciplinary proceedings, as outlined in Section 45 of the Employment Act 2007.
In light of these allegations, the CA Board has taken decisive action by suspending Ezra Chiloba as the Director General. Christopher Wambua has been appointed to assume the role in an acting capacity, a move announced by CA Board Chair Mary Mungai. The aftermath of this suspension will likely continue to reverberate, as the CA seeks to address the allegations and ensure the integrity of its operations.
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