Recognised as one of the wealthiest people in Kenya and Africa, the former Kilome MP and businessman was once fired after rubbing the wrong shoulders.
Early in 1997, then-President Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi was under pressure from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund among several other bilateral donors to establish an anti-corruption commission as reported by Daily Nation.
As a result, Kenya established the Kenya Anti Corruption Authority (KACA) after the amendment of the Prevention of Corruption Act (Cap 65, LOK) in early 1997, headed by Harun Mwau.
And to the surprise of many, Harun Mwau was appointed by Moi as it's the first-ever director.
However, his stay at the helm of the anti-corruption body was shortlived after he made it his mission to prosecute top officials in the National Treasury and the Kenya Revenue Authority for graft.
In the process, the former police officer found himself at loggerheads with then-Finance Minister Simeon Nyachae.
Nyachae had been a close ally of President Moi, having served under him since the start of his presidency.
The publication reported that Mwau, through the High Court, issued arrest warrants for then; KRA Commissioner General John Msafari, Commissioner of Customs Samuel Chebii, Financial Secretary Joseph Kinyua, Director of Fiscal and Monetary Affairs Job Njeru Kirira, along with eleven other senior customs officials.
The renowned billionaire intended that the officials be charged over an alleged fraud involving Ksh230 million uncollected tax that was incurred from the importation of wheat and sugar.
This came as a complete surprise to leaders, especially because Mwau was considered a soft person and thus would not act on corruption.
However, the prosecution was taken over by then-Attorney General Amos Wako, and the case was terminated.
This case had resulted in a clash between Mwau and Nyachae, and days later, Mwau was shown the door.
President Moi pronounced his suspension and what followed for was a probe by a Judicial Tribunal, commencing August 17, 1998.
The tribunal was comprised of Justices Riaga Omolo, Emmanuel Okubasu, and David Rimita, who investigated him for misconduct.
Mwau represented himself before the tribunal and challenged various aspects of the hearing. Wako also became part of the inquiry as amicus curiae (friend of the court).
He billionaire argued that the judges' professional attire was meant to intimidate him.
The renowned billionaire was however not a newbie to getting fired. It was reported that, while serving as a police officer, Mwau was sacked from the force for declining to shave his beard.
He had allegedly argued that he had a skin condition that worsened whenever he shaved. This was however not enough to save his job.
