Kenya’s newly-appointed Defence Deputy Minister, Major General (Rtd) Gerald Kosgey, was today sent on compulsory leave by President Uhuru Kenyatta following allegations of corruption by the military’s procurement office.
The decision came after Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officials filed a petition with the President pointing to alleged irregularities in the procurement of military supplies and equipment.
Major General (Rtd) Kosgey was appointed Deputy Minister as part of an overhaul of the military intended to create more efficient operations and to root out any possible instances of graft. However, these allegations suggest that not all is going as planned.
The President is yet to reveal the identity of the individual that will be appointed to replace Kosgey during his leave.
It is understood by security circles inside the country that in order to ensure backsliding does not occur, other major changes will be implemented with the military rearrangements such as a more stringent audit process, better oversight and more robust procedures to guarantee savings are achieved.
As an indication of his seriousness regarding these allegations, President Kenyatta appointed Prosecutor General Paul Krais to lead the investigations.
Sources close to the Presidency suggest the reforms could also include an amnesty for officers guilty of corruption offences, with a stay of proceedings of up to three years, if cases have been identified and prosecuted.
In any case, with Major General (Rtd) Kosgey currently on compulsory leave, a period of relative uncertainty may still be in store for parts of the Kenyan Defence Force.
