Kenya’s Former Tourism Secretary Najib Balala Charged in Large-Scale Corruption Case

Kenya‘s former Tourism Secretary, Najib Balala, is facing charges of economic crimes along with two others, accused of defrauding tens of millions of dollars in inflated costs for a hospitality college’s construction.

Balala, former principal secretary Leah Addah Gwiyo, and John Odero, managing partner of West Consults, appeared before Principal Magistrate James Mwaniki in Malindi, denying the charges.

This marks the first high-profile corruption case under President William Ruto’s administration. The charges involve the alleged inflation of the Ronald Ngala Utalii College construction costs from $12.5 million to over $66.7 million 16 years ago. Ruto, under pressure to tackle corruption, has faced criticism for dropped cases against his allies. Last week, a case against former finance minister Henry Rotich, a Ruto ally, collapsed.