A former principal of Garissa University College, Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa, was on Tuesday charged at the Milimani Law Courts with abuse of office.
Court documents reveal that during the 2013–2014 financial year, while serving as principal of the-then constituent college of Moi University, Prof. Mulaa initiated a plan to construct a hostel block with a capacity of 750 students.
“He presented this proposal to the University College Council, complete with architectural drawings,” a court report noted.
However, the proposal drew concern from some departmental heads, as the architectural designs had not been vetted or approved by Government Architects at the Ministry of Public Works.
“Despite these concerns, Prof. Mulaa moved forward, appointing Archipoint Consulting Architects as the project managers and entering into a contract with them on April 24, 2014, bypassing the competitive procurement processes mandated by law and established guidelines,” read the court filing.
The court also heard that an Archipoint representative sat on the tender evaluation committee without proper appointment, effectively holding dual roles in the process, a violation of the Public Procurement and Disposal Act.
Appearing before Magistrate Isabellah Barasa at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court, Prof. Mulaa denied the charges, which were brought under section 46 read together with section 48(1) of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.
He was granted release on a Sh500,000 bond, with the alternative of a Sh50,000 cash bail.
The case is scheduled for a virtual pre-trial mention on August 19, 2025.
