Kenya’s suspended communications authority boss, Ezra Chiloba, has officially resigned from his position following an ongoing investigation into his alleged abuse of office and misuse of funds.
Chiloba, who was the Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), tendered his resignation in a letter received by the agency’s board chairperson, Mary Mungai, on Wednesday, October 18.
In a statement released on Thursday, Mungai confirmed the acceptance of Chiloba’s resignation, expressing her appreciation for his contribution to the organisation and the wider ICT sector. She also wished him success in his future endeavours. Chiloba had been suspended by the board on September 18, amidst allegations of approving his own mortgage loan and making payments totaling Sh25 million to a company where he served as the sole director. These actions raised concerns of a conflict of interest.
Furthermore, Chiloba was accused of clearing staff members who had outstanding loans with the CA amounting to Sh28.9 million. It was also alleged that he had understated loan balances for former employees. These charges were based on the findings of an audit report on the management of the staff mortgage scheme.
The resignation of Chiloba marks the end of his tenure as the Director General of the CA, a role in which he had served for an undisclosed duration. His departure leaves a void in the communications regulatory sector, and it remains to be seen who will be appointed to fill this important position.
The ongoing probe into Chiloba’s alleged misconduct highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in public offices. The misuse of funds and abuse of power undermine the integrity of government institutions and erode public trust. By resigning, Chiloba has taken responsibility for his actions and provided an opportunity for the CA to address the issues and move forward with greater transparency and efficiency.
The resignation also underscores the need for stronger internal controls and oversight mechanisms within government agencies. It is essential that proper checks and balances are in place to prevent and detect any form of corruption or wrongdoing.
Mr. Chiloba, a lawyer by profession, assumed the leadership of the CA in September 2021, succeeding the late Francis Wangusi. He has successfully led the agency for two years. Prior to joining the CA, Mr. Chiloba served as the CEO of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), where he faced challenges and was eventually removed from his position in June 2018.
His suspension was deemed necessary by the then-chairman, Wafula Chebukati, to allow for a comprehensive audit of the procurement processes at the electoral body. However, Mr. Chiloba was able to reclaim his position after the Employment and Labour Relations court ruled that his compulsory leave was not contractually authorised. Unfortunately, he was later dismissed from the IEBC in October 2018.
