[Kenya] Health official in dual salary case ordered to repay KSh 10.9m

The High Court of Kenya has ordered a former Homa Bay County Government health official to repay KSh 10.9 million ($84,136) in a judgment which highlighted significant lapses in payroll oversight, Dawan Africa reports.

In a ruling issued on March 13 at the Milimani Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Court, Justice B.M. Musyoki found the conduct to be unlawful.

The court reportedly held that Odhiambo Ottoman Adel Walter had been engaged in two roles, drawing salaries from both county service and the Kenya Medical Training College. Both roles were permanent, and both were pensionable, and he remained on the county payroll for years. 

The court declared the dual employment a violation of constitutional principles. The judge noted the practical impossibility of serving in Homa Bay and Kisumu simultaneously and concluded that the salaries were paid for work that was not carried out.

Questions have been raised about systemic failure, internal controls and oversight mechanisms within the county. The court reportedly referenced potential collusion and warned of a wider pattern. 

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission's (EACC) pursuit of recovery reportedly signals a firm new stance against payroll fraud. The court ordered full restitution within 90 days, with accrued interest and costs to be borne by the respondent.

Source: Dawan Africa

The High Court of Kenya has ordered a former Homa Bay County Government health official to repay KSh 10.9 million ($84,136) in a judgment which highlighted significant lapses in payroll oversight, Dawan Africa reports.

In a ruling issued on March 13 at the Milimani Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Court, Justice B.M. Musyoki found the conduct to be unlawful.

The court reportedly held that Odhiambo Ottoman Adel Walter had been engaged in two roles, drawing salaries from both county service and the Kenya Medical Training College. Both roles were permanent, and both were pensionable, and he remained on the county payroll for years. 

The court declared the dual employment a violation of constitutional principles. The judge noted the practical impossibility of serving in Homa Bay and Kisumu simultaneously and concluded that the salaries were paid for work that was not carried out.

Questions have been raised about systemic failure, internal controls and oversight mechanisms within the county. The court reportedly referenced potential collusion and warned of a wider pattern. 

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission's (EACC) pursuit of recovery reportedly signals a firm new stance against payroll fraud. The court ordered full restitution within 90 days, with accrued interest and costs to be borne by the respondent.

Source: Dawan Africa