The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) secured a High Court order to freeze $460,000 (Sh.62,100,000), following an investigation into former Cabinet Secretary and Marsabit Governor Ukur Yatani.
This amount, comprised of 4,600 $100 bills, was confiscated from Ibrae Doko Yatani, the nephew of Ukur Yatani.
The order, issued by Justice Esther Maina on May 3, will remain in effect for six months.
The court stated, “I am satisfied that there are reasonable grounds laid for the preservation of the funds.
An order be and is hereby issued allowing the Application to continue to detain 4,600 pieces of US Dollars 100 denomination seized from the Respondent’s residence on 24th April 2024.
The order shall be for a period of six months as provided in Section 56(3) of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA).”
The court further ordered that the freezing notice be served to the respondent within seven days of the ruling date.
EACC indicated that the large cash amount found in Yatani’s possession raised suspicion of potential corruption or unexplained wealth.
The commission proposed that these funds might be the proceeds of illegal activity or money laundering.
The court also heard that Ibrae Doko Yatani’s business, Al Habib Enterprises, received Sh.71,790,897 from the County Government of Marsabit through questionable transactions.
Through their lawyer Jackie Kibogy, the EACC expressed concern that without the freeze order, Ibrae Doko Yatani could demand the release of the money and potentially dispose of it, undermining any future legal actions or forfeiture proceedings.
The funds are also intended to serve as evidence if criminal charges are filed.
This investigation ties into a broader probe involving Ukur Yatani, Marsabit Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali, other high-ranking county officials, and close family members.
The allegations focus on public fund theft, abuse of office, procurement irregularities, conflict of interest, and unexplained wealth.
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