The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has obtained orders from the High Court preserving USD 460,000 (Sh62,100,000) seized in the ongoing investigation targeting former Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani.
In their court papers, EACC said the amount, which is in 4,600 pieces of USD 100 denominations, was reportedly seized from his nephew Ibrae Doko Yatani.
Anti-Corruption Court Judge Esther Maina issued the orders on Friday following an application by the Commission arguing that the amount could be proceeds of corruption, unexplained wealth or acquired from a case of money laundering.
"An order be and is hereby issued allowing the application to continue to detain 4,600 pieces US dollars 100 denomination seized from the respondent's residence on April 24, 2024," the Judge ordered.
She declared that the order shall be for six months as provided in Section 56(3) of the Anti-Corruptic and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA).
In the said court papers, EACC told the High Court that it needed to investigate the source of the money.
The court heard that during the period of interest, Ibrae Doko Yatani, through his company Al Habib Enterprises, allegedly irregularly received Sh71,790,897 from the Marsabit county government.
Through Advocate Jackie Kibogy, the anti-graft body further told Justice Maina that it is apprehensive that unless orders were issued on the continued custody of the cash, Ibrae Doko Yatani may demand unconditional release and proceed to dispose of or transfer the cash.
This, EACC said, would thereby frustrate any intended forfeiture proceedings to the detriment of the public.
It said the amount will also be used as an exhibit in the event that criminal charges are preferred.
EACC was told to serve Ibrae Doko Yatani with the papers within seven days.
