KISII: A Magistrate Court sitting in Kisii has charged both Gimo Security and Investigation Services Limited and its director, Gilbert Momanyi Maturwe, with additional offenses linked to a security services tender awarded by the Keroka Technical Training Institute.

Appearing before Magistrate Ada Mildred Obura, Maturwe faced charges of uttering a false document contrary to Section 353 of the Penal Code.

The prosecution alleges that on May 26, 2022, Maturwe knowingly submitted a fraudulent Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Tax Compliance Certificate during the tendering process for security services at the training institute.

According to court details, the document was presented with the explicit intent to deceive the procuring entity and fraudulently secure the lucrative institutional contract.

The prosecution contends that the certificate was falsely represented as a valid, legally binding document issued by the KRA to Gimo Security and Investigation Services Limited.

Unlawful acquisition of public funds

In a separate count, the security firm and its director were jointly charged with the unlawful acquisition of public property, contrary to Section 45(1) as read with Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (2003).

The charge sheet details a significant financial footprint following the award of the tender, alleged unlawful acquisition took place over a two-year period, spanning between July 28, 2022, and August 31, 2024.

Further, the company allegedly received cumulative contract payments totaling Sh5,448,000 from public funds.

The prosecution asserts that these public funds were paid out entirely on the strength of a tender secured through the use of the falsified tax compliance document.

In the next hearing, the respondents will counter the charges before verdict is delivered.