A Nairobi court has granted orders freezing funds and restricting transactions linked to two public officers under investigation for alleged economic crimes.
The High Court, Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division, allowed an application by the anti-graft agency under Section 56 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003.
The application sought preservation orders over funds held in multiple accounts linked to the two respondents. The orders are intended to prevent withdrawal, transfer or disposal of the money pending completion of investigations.
The agency told the court that it had launched inquiries into allegations of “conflict of interest, abuse of office, bribes and possession of unexplained assets”.
It further stated that preliminary findings showed one respondent is a public officer employed by Nairobi County Government while the other served in Vihiga County Government. The two are spouses and business partners.
According to the application, investigators believe the respondents “have accumulated immense assets disproportionate to their legitimate sources of income”.
The agency added that the assets under scrutiny are held in various financial accounts now frozen under the court order.
The court was also informed that a search conducted at the respondents’ premises led to the seizure of Sh65 million. The amount, according to the application, was part of ongoing investigations into suspected corruption-related conduct and unexplained wealth.
The investigating agency said it was concerned that the funds could be moved or concealed before the conclusion of investigations and possible recovery proceedings. It therefore sought urgent intervention to preserve the assets for a limited period.
The application was certified urgent. The advocate for the applicant told the court that the matter required immediate attention to avoid interference with evidence and potential recovery of public resources.
The court considered the application together with the supporting affidavit filed by an investigator attached to the agency. It also examined the legal framework under Section 56 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.
In its ruling, the court held that the threshold for granting the preservation orders had been met. The judge noted that the facts placed before the court demonstrated sufficient grounds to warrant temporary freezing of the funds.
“I am satisfied that there is a need to grant the orders sought herein,” the court stated.
The court consequently issued orders prohibiting any withdrawal, transfer, disposal or any other dealings with the specified funds. The orders will remain in force to allow investigators to complete their work.
The ruling also authorised the freezing of funds held in several accounts associated with the respondents across different financial institutions, without allowing any transactions until further notice from the court.
The matter remains under investigation, with authorities expected to pursue further inquiries into the alleged financial irregularities and the source of the funds.
The orders are aimed at preserving the status of the assets while investigators continue building their case and determining whether recovery or forfeiture proceedings will be initiated.
