The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has commenced its investigation against its officers selling military uniforms to members of the public in clear contravention of service guidelines.
Investigators wanted access to the bank accounts of various officers to investigate the complaint efficiently and conclusively.
The inquiry began after a complaint was filed with the Ministry of Defence over illegal sales.
The soldiers are believed to have sold military uniforms to civilians between January and July 2021
As part of the investigation, the special investigative unit of the military police has received court orders to review two accounts held at a local bank.
The orders were granted by Principal Magistrate Sharon Maroro.
“The purpose of the investigation is to establish the veracity of the allegations with a view to taking appropriate disciplinary actions against service members found culpable,” military police stated in the court papers.
In a court application filed at Kibera law courts by corporal Collins Alulu of the military police, the officers reported that rogue servicemen reportedly pocketed Ksh500,000 between January 1 and July 2021 from the sales.
Corporal Collins Alulu of the military police told the court that several officers are suspected of selling the uniform to civilians and sharing their income through mobile bank platforms.
Corporal Alulu did not, however, report the exact number of uniforms sold to civilians.
“Investigations have shown that during the period under inquiry, the holders of the mobile phone numbers who are service personnel connived to steal government stores under their care and sold them to civilians for personal use,” the military stated in court papers
Military wear is restricted to members of the defence department and includes uniforms, handcuffs, coats, and weapons.
