On Friday, former Kenyan Tourism Minister Najib Balala was arrested in connection with an alleged corruption scandal of 8.5 billion Kenyan shillings (about $54 million). The arrest, conducted by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission detectives, is part of an ongoing investigation into irregular payments intended for constructing Utalii College in Kilifi County, located 523 kilometers from Nairobi, as explained by commission spokesperson Eric Ngumbi.
Leah Gwiyo, the former principal secretary in the Tourism Ministry, was also taken into custody. Ngumbi mentioned that they will be transported to Malindi town to face charges after receiving prosecution approval for their recommendations.
Najib Balala, a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, enjoyed a lengthy and diverse political career. He served as tourism minister for 12 years, spanning from 2008 to 2012 and then again from 2015 to 2018, working with three different governments.
By FCCT Editorial Team