NYS scam firm loses Sh0.8m to State

The High Court yesterday gave the government the green light to seize over Sh813,597 belonging to a firm at the centre of the Sh468 million National Youth Service (NYS) scandal.

Arkroad Holdings Limited is alleged to have received a Sh24,866,800 from the NYS for goods not supplied.

Justice Esther Maina said she was satisfied the money, which belonged to Arkroad Holdings Ltd, was acquired unlawfully from NYS and therefore liable to forfeiture to the State.

Arkroad Holdings Limited directors are Anthony Makara Wamiti and Peter Wagura Kimani.

While declaring the money proceeds of crime, the judge noted that ARA which had filed the forfeiture suit proved beyond reasonable doubt that the funds held in the accounts of Arkroad Holdings limited were illegally acquired.

“The court has found in favour of the applicant (ARA) and has forfeited the sum of Sh 813,597.40 held in the account of Arkload holding limited.

Money’s source

The court found that it was proved on balance of probability that the amount of money is proceeds of crime,” Justice Maina (pictured) ruled.

She stated that despite being given an opportunity to explain the source of money, the firm’s explanation was not satisfactory.

“It is clear that the respondents (Arkroad Holdings limited through its directors) were not able to counter the evidence of the ARA. The application Is allowed with cost to the applicant,” Justice Maina said.