Kenya’s Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is still investigating how the controversial British lawyer Guy Spencer Elms was involved in the scandal of missing funds meant for the construction of two major dams in the country. , DCI boss George Kinoti disclosed that he sought the help of both the United Kingdom and Italy “because that is where our money was wired”.
Elms, a controversial lawyer based in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, was among various company directors and top government officials who appeared before the Director of Criminal Investigations for grilling in connection with missing Sh21 billion (approximately $210 million) that investigators believe had been wired to firms in Europe.
In April 2017, the Kenyan government entered into a contract with an Italian company CMC di Ravenna to build two dams in Kenya’s Rift Valley region at the cost of Sh65 billion. The Kenyan Treasury paid Sh21 billion to the Italian firm, but the company is yet to commence the work several months later.
DCI revealed that the investigations had grown complicated due to the widened scope of companies involved in the scandal, with the money trail reaching firms in both Italy and the United Kingdom.
In London, the DCI contacted the National Crime Agency, mandated to investigate economic crime across regional and international borders.
“We are dealing with several companies with different directors. That is why we are going through this methodically and clinically. But the net is getting wide,” Kinoti said.
A man not new to controversies, Spencer Elms was charged by a Kenyan court in September 2017 for forging a will in connection to prime real estate in Karen, one of the Nairobi city suburbs.
He was also mentioned in the Anglo Leasing scandal, where phantom firms were awarded £21 million to supply the Kenyan government with a system to print new high-technology passports, naval ships and forensic laboratories.
So far, the directors and senior managers of 107 firms that were paid money by the dam contractor to offer various services and to supply goods have recorded statements with investigators.
Spencer Elms was summoned to the DCItogether with other eight people associated to his company, Tile & Carpet Centre, a building and interior product company based in Nairobi. Spencer Elms could not be reached for comment for this story.
Despite Sh21 billion having been paid to the Italian firm to build Arror and Kimwarer dams, there remains only thickets and a seasonal stream at the site.
The ambitious projects aim to provide water for irrigation for over 50,000 people living in the vast region, and 80 megawatts of electricity to the national grid. But the plans have been subject to significant local opposition, with residents concerned they are not getting fair compensation packages for their communities’ displacement.
There's no story that cannot be told. We cover the stories that others don't want to be told, we bring you all the news you need. If you have tips, exposes or any story you need to be told bluntly and all queries write to us [email protected] also find us on Telegram
