Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga claims that Controller of Budget Margret Nyakang’o’s arrest is aimed at pushing her out of office.

Raila says that the government is looking to replace Nyakang’o with a government-friendly person.

“The arrest and arraignment of Controller of Budget Ms Margaret Nyakango did not come as a surprise to us in Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party. We believe many Kenyans too saw it coming,” Raila stated.

According to Raila, the charges against Nyakang’o are frivolous, trumped up and politically motivated aimed at tarnishing her name.

“The arrest was always coming, in light of her determination to act professionally and with integrity in a regime infested by crooks and unprofessional conduct. It was only a matter of when, not if Ms Nyakango was going to be sent packing on frivolous and trumped-up charges to create room for a user-friendly holder of the office, who will support and sanitize the looting currently underway,” Raila stated.

“Her tribulations are thus politically motivated witch hunt…at a time Kenyans are wreathing under full-blown corruption. We encourage Ms Nyakango to remain strong in defense of integrity, professionalism and the dictates of good governance.”

Raila promised that the Azimio coalition will stand with Nyakang’o, who was on Tuesday released on a Ksh500,000 bail.

“As a party, we stand with Ms Nyakango and will offer whatever help we can in the interest of the war against corruption in the country. This struggle will be nasty and long but it is one Kenyans cannot afford to lose. We will lead that struggle from the front,” he added.

Nyakang’o charged

Nyakang’o was on Tuesday charged with defrauding Claudia Mutungi of Ksh29 million, operating a sacco without a valid licence and forgery.

Nyakang’o, who appeared before Mombasa Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku denied committing the three offences.

She is accused of defrauding Claudia Mweni Mutungi of Ksh29 million on diverse dates between November 1, 2019, and May 1, 2020, by pretending to operate a genuine investment namely FEB Sacco Limited.

The court further issued summons to Nyakang’o’s co-accused including Jackson Ngure Wanjau, Susan Kendi Kiambati, James Makena Wanyangi, John Muchira Kithaka and Jane Karuu Ndanyi.

Others accused in the cases include Muthoni Eliphas, Joan Chumo, Mercy Ndura Mukora, Gregory Mwangangi Mailu and Michael Kipkirui.

The case will be mentioned on December 13, 2023.