The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology is under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over a sensational Ksh 2.6 Billion fraud scheme.
EACC Spokesperson Erick Ngumbi revealed on Monday, November 25, that the institution's officials allegedly colluded with different consultants and contractors to defraud the university of billions in uncompleted capital projects.
According to Ngumbi, money for the projects was disbursed in full but all six projects were yet to be completed.
"Notably, these payments have already been done despite the projects being incomplete," Ngumbi said on Monday during the burial of Mama Joyce Oginde, mother to the EACC chairperson Bishop David Oginde in Ugenya constituency.
Further, investigations were also launched into a recent graduation where over 200 unqualified students bribed university officials in order to graduate.
"These students, instead of sitting for supplementary examinations, colluded with university officials to bribe their way into the graduation list," Ngumbi added.
In the wake of the explosive corruption allegations, an operation was conducted in the homesteads of the former Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Gaya Agong’ in Homa Bay, Kisumu and Nairobi.
Anti-graft officials reportedly raided Gaya's home to retrieve all documents relating to the six capital projects in question. According to Ngumbi, all documents were retrieved and will aid in investigations.
The EACC spokesperson further noted with concern the rising cases of corruption had made their way into tertiary institutions in recent times, thus compromising the quality of education.
Miles away, at the Moi University, the institution's Vice Chancellor Isaac Kosgey was summoned in November 1 over alleged graft involving projects worth KSh2 billion.
Kosgey was also expected to allegations concerning violations of procurement laws and the settlements of staff’s pay.
The institution has been plagued with overwhelming debt and years of mismanagement which have crippled learning at the once-flourishing public institution.
