DCI probes KSh6.2 billion payroll fraud in ministries

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is investigating an alleged KSh6.2 billion payroll fraud in 12 government ministries following a directive by the Cabinet. DCI Director Mohamed Amin, who received audit and forensic audit reports from Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, says detectives will pursue all those involved with the aim of prosecuting suspects and recovering lost public funds. The forensic audit, conducted by a multi-agency team led by the National Intelligence Service, uncovered unauthorised alterations to payroll records, irregular payments, and weak controls over statutory deductions, among other fraudulent practices blamed for the ballooning public wage bill. Gatete Njoroge reports.