EZRA Chiloba, the Director-General of the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA), has been suspended from his position. The suspension was initiated by CA’s Board Chair, Mary Mungai, in light of allegations surrounding the misuse of office and financial impropriety linked to the authority’s mortgage scheme.
A thorough investigation conducted by the Board Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (BARAC) revealed a series of concerns regarding Chiloba’s conduct. It was found that he had allegedly breached his employment terms by making a loan request that was granted by a junior staff member, with insufficient evidence of following proper procedures.
Furthermore, Chiloba is accused of contravening the Civil Servants Housing Scheme regulations by acquiring a house and a plot of land exceeding the stipulated one-acre limit. Reports indicate that he purchased a substantial seven-acre parcel of land, which raised questions about compliance.
In a particularly concerning revelation, it was disclosed that approximately KSh25 million ($170,000) had been disbursed from CA to an account linked to Chiloba’s Kitale-based company, Kitale Hilmost Limited. This transaction raised suspicions of potential deceit or fraudulent activity against the Authority.
Based on these findings, the investigation committee recommended taking disciplinary action not only against Director-General Ezra Chiloba but also against several key figures within CA. This includes the Directors of Human Resources, Legal Services, and Finance, as well as the internal auditor.
Following the suspension of Ezra Chiloba, Christopher Wambua has assumed the role of acting Director-General with immediate effect. This appointment will remain in place until further notice.
Chiloba’s suspension, occurring midway through his four-year term, marks a significant development within the Communication Authority of Kenya and underscores the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in public institutions. Investigations into the allegations will likely continue, and the Authority’s stakeholders will be closely monitoring developments in this matter.
