Kenya’s leader replaces finance minister after graft charges

Principal Secretary National Treasury Kamau Thugge, left, and Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury Henry Kiplagat Rotich appear with other suspects accused of corruption, at the Mililani law court in Nairobi, Tuesday, July 23, 2019. Kenya’s finance minister Tuesday denied fraud-related charges over contracts for the construction of two dams in the country’s west. This is the first time a Kenyan finance minister has been charged while in office. Henry Rotich and 14 other officials appeared in court after spending the night in police custody. (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi) Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights re

By The Associated Press

Posted Jul 24, 2019 08:59:12 AM.

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s president has replaced the finance minister after he was charged with fraud over multi-million-dollar contracts for the construction of two dams in the country’s west.

It is the first time a finance minister in East Africa’s economic hub, which is plagued by widespread corruption, has been charged while in office. Henry Rotich denied the allegations in a court appearance on Tuesday.

A Kenyan government statement on Wednesday said Labor Minister Ukur Yatani Kanacho will take over the finance responsibilities in an acting capacity.

The charges allege that officials conspired to defraud the government in the dams project in Elgeyo Marakwet county, where no construction has started despite billions of shillings being spent.

Several other senior officials who were charged along with Rotich also have been replaced.

The Associated Press

Submit a Correction

Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

University of Waterloo goes to court to end pro-Palestinian encampment, citing 'intimidation and harassment'

University of Waterloo goes to court to end pro-Palestinian encampment, citing 'intimidation and harassment'

Claiming intimidation and harassment, the University of Waterloo has turned to the court to end the pro-Palestinian encampment on its campus. A statement from the school said their lawyers served court...

1h ago

Report shows rise in homicide investigations in Guelph last year

Report shows rise in homicide investigations in Guelph last year

Guelph Police Services responded to a record number of homicide investigations in 2023. According to a report that was just released, they also saw a decrease in vehicle thefts, cyber crime, crimes against...

49m ago

Puppy mills now illegal in Ontario. Why advocates say little will change for dogs

Puppy mills now illegal in Ontario. Why advocates say little will change for dogs

Puppy mills are now illegal in Ontario after the province recently passed legislation banning them, but critics say the new law will do little to curb the problem. The law, called the Preventing Unethical...

54m ago

Stanley Cup comes back to Waterloo Region for second straight year

Stanley Cup comes back to Waterloo Region for second straight year

Another local champion is hoisting the Stanley Cup. After Kitchener's Nic Hague won the Cup last year with Las Vegas, Kitchener's Steven Lorentz raised the trophy Monday night as a member of the Florida...

15h ago

Top Stories

University of Waterloo goes to court to end pro-Palestinian encampment, citing 'intimidation and harassment'

University of Waterloo goes to court to end pro-Palestinian encampment, citing 'intimidation and harassment'

Claiming intimidation and harassment, the University of Waterloo has turned to the court to end the pro-Palestinian encampment on its campus. A statement from the school said their lawyers served court...

1h ago

Report shows rise in homicide investigations in Guelph last year

Report shows rise in homicide investigations in Guelph last year

Guelph Police Services responded to a record number of homicide investigations in 2023. According to a report that was just released, they also saw a decrease in vehicle thefts, cyber crime, crimes against...

49m ago

Puppy mills now illegal in Ontario. Why advocates say little will change for dogs

Puppy mills now illegal in Ontario. Why advocates say little will change for dogs

Puppy mills are now illegal in Ontario after the province recently passed legislation banning them, but critics say the new law will do little to curb the problem. The law, called the Preventing Unethical...

54m ago

Stanley Cup comes back to Waterloo Region for second straight year

Stanley Cup comes back to Waterloo Region for second straight year

Another local champion is hoisting the Stanley Cup. After Kitchener's Nic Hague won the Cup last year with Las Vegas, Kitchener's Steven Lorentz raised the trophy Monday night as a member of the Florida...

15h ago

Most Watched Today

Can Trudeau survive Toronto byelection loss?

Can Trudeau survive Toronto byelection loss?

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal party has lost a byelection in Toronto-St. Paul's. Glen McGregor discusses what kind of pressure the P.M. could be facing within his party after losing a long-held riding.

11h ago

U.S. prosecutors pursuing charges against Boeing

U.S. prosecutors pursuing charges against Boeing

As victims’ families ask a judge for a Boeing monitor, U.S. federal prosecutors are asking the Department of Justice to charge the company. Amy Kiley explains.

19h ago

Oilers fans in Florida hold heads up high despite Game 7 loss

Oilers fans in Florida hold heads up high despite Game 7 loss

Oilers fans who made the trip down to Florida for Game 7 were sad to see Edmonton lose. But they told Darcy Ropchan about feeling proud of the players, and hopeful for the future.

Electric energy from thousands of Oilers fans at Moss Pit for Game 7

Electric energy from thousands of Oilers fans at Moss Pit for Game 7

Thousands of Edmonton Oilers fans have packed the Moss Pit ahead of Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final. Many fans lined up before noon to secure a place at the downtown watch party. Police say the fan parks have reached capacity.

Oilers and Panthers fans brace for Game 7

Oilers and Panthers fans brace for Game 7

CityNews' Sports Reporter Lindsay Dunn spoke with Oilers and Panthers fans at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto about their teams facing off in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.