National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei, a close ally of President William Ruto and the Uasin Gishu Woman Representative, is among high-profile officials the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) wants prosecuted over alleged graft.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has already accepted four out of 47 cases forwarded by the anti-graft body for prosecution.
The EACC accuses Ms Shollei of involvement in irregular procurement during her tenure as the Judiciary’s Chief Registrar.
UGC women rep Hon Gladys Boss Shollei attending Abiria Ni Mayai derby in Kasarani on Sunday June 9
She is alleged to have overseen the purchase of a fully furnished residence for the Chief Justice without prior planning and in violation of tendering laws.
Shollei is among seven suspects recommended for charges, including abuse of office and wilful failure to comply with procurement laws.
Previously, similar charges against Ms Shollei were dropped in 2017 following a Court of Appeal decision, but the EACC reopened the case in compliance with judicial rulings.
Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei during a past interview. Photo: Citizen TV Kenya Source: Facebook
Fresh investigations have strengthened the Commission’s case, resulting in a new recommendation for prosecution.
In addition to the property procurement case, Shollei faces allegations involving the Judicial Service Commission’s (JSC) construction of prefabricated courts.
Investigations revealed irregular payments totalling KSh 46.45 million for uncompleted works at the Mavoko Law Courts.
The ongoing corruption investigations have also implicated other prominent figures, including former governors Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Mohamed Mohamoud (Wajir), as well as Bungoma Woman Representative Catherine Wambilianga.
The EACC’s quarterly report outlines massive public fund misappropriation by these officials, with Shollei’s alleged actions casting a shadow over her political career.
If prosecuted and found guilty, Shollei and her co-accused could face severe penalties, including possible jail terms. Neither Ms Shollei nor her representatives had responded to inquiries by press time.
