Alleged Misuse of IDP Resettlement Funds: Legal Battle Heats Up

Petitioners demand accountability over misappropriated funds for IDP resettlement

The case, which was first initiated in 2022, centers around allegations that funds set aside in the 2017/18 national budget for the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) were mismanaged. The petitioners claim that the money, which was meant to support IDPs who had been displaced due to various crises, was diverted and misappropriated. Instead of being used for the intended purpose, the funds were allegedly distributed to fictitious beneficiaries, including fake IDPs and boda boda operators, who were not entitled to any compensation.

The case was initially filed at the High Court in Nairobi, but it has since been moved to the Kisii High Court to make it more accessible for the petitioners, who are primarily from the western region of Kenya. The move was meant to ease the logistical burden of traveling to Nairobi and ensure that the affected parties have better access to legal proceedings.

Rev. Bishop Brethren Nemwel Momanyi, who is representing the IDPs in this case, is seeking clarity on how the funds were used, particularly under the oversight of former Interior Cabinet Secretaries Fred Matiang’i and Karanja Kibicho. Bishop Momanyi has expressed concerns that the funds were misappropriated, and is demanding that both officials provide a detailed account of how the money was disbursed, given the serious allegations of corruption and irregularities in the process.

Justice Chacha Mwita, who was initially handling the case, directed that the respondents – in this case, Fred Matiang’i and Karanja Kibicho – be served with notices to appear before the court. They have been given a 15-day window to present their responses to the allegations, or the case may proceed in their absence. The hearing is now scheduled to take place before Justice Teresia Odero at the Kisii High Court, and both sides are expected to present their arguments during this important session.

The petitioners have maintained that the funds were not only misused but were also directed toward entities that were not legitimate beneficiaries of the program. They are accusing the former government officials of negligence, corruption, and failure to ensure that the money was used properly for the intended purpose. The case has sparked public interest, especially as it shines a light on the misuse of public funds and the potential accountability of high-ranking government officials.

This legal development also comes at a time when Fred Matiang’i, one of the central figures in the case, is reportedly preparing for a presidential bid in 2027. Sources close to the former Cabinet Secretary suggest that he is gathering resources and actively engaging with political allies as he strategizes his entry into the presidential race. Matiang’i, who has served in key government roles in the past, is positioning himself as a potential contender for the presidency, and his involvement in this case could have political implications, particularly as he seeks to clear his name in the midst of ongoing allegations.

As the case continues to unfold, it is likely to have far-reaching consequences for those involved, and it has already sparked wider discussions about transparency, accountability, and the misuse of public funds in Kenya. The outcome of the case could also have implications for the political future of Fred Matiang’i and the broader political landscape as the 2027 elections draw closer.