Convicted of Embezzlement: Judge Slams False Hopes on Government Funds

Former Government Official Convicted of Embezzling 31 Million Shillings

A former government official has been found guilty of embezzling 31 million shillings from public funds. The verdict was delivered by High Court Judge Lawrence Gidudu, who sternly warned against false hopes that government funds are available for lending to individuals.

The Accused’s Defense Rejected

The accused had argued that he did not benefit from the stolen funds, but Judge Gidudu rejected this defense. According to the judge, the definition of theft in the Penal Code Act (PCA) clearly states that embezzlement is a form of theft.

Co-Accused Involved in Stolen Funds

The court heard that the accused, along with two co-accused, stole the public funds by misrepresenting their intentions and using fake documents to obtain the loans. The funds were later recovered, but Judge Gidudu emphasized that this did not absolve the accused of his criminal responsibility.

Judge Slams False Hopes on Government Funds

In a strongly worded judgment, Judge Gidudu slammed false hopes that government funds are available for lending to individuals. He cited Regulation 67 of the Public Finance and Accountability Regulations 2003, which empowers the Accountant-General to grant loans under strict conditions.

“The grant of loans and advances from public moneys or funds is strictly limited.”

“Such loans and advances may only be made by the Accountant General under the authority of an advance warrant under the hand of the Minister and for the purposes stated in the Act.”

Judge Warns Against Refunding Stolen Funds

Judge Gidudu also warned against the practice of refunding stolen funds, saying that this would undermine the rule of law and create a culture of impunity. Instead, he imposed an 18-month prison sentence on the accused, deducting six months he had already spent on remand.

The Verdict: A Stern Reminder to Public Officials

The judge’s verdict serves as a stern reminder to public officials that embezzling government funds is a serious offense that will be punished accordingly.