NAIROBI, November 30 – East African Portland Cement Company (EAPCC) has announced the suspension of its Commercial Manager Tom Ombasa on allegations of corruption.
Mr Ombasa was arrested on Friday as the company marked its 75th anniversary.
Ombasa is accused of allegedly carrying out independent business negotiations with another company seeking to make individual gains under the guise of representing the company.
EAPCC Managing Director Eng John Nyambok says though the suspicions are yet to be proven in court, Mr Ombasa will not resume his normal duties until investigations are completed and a verdict is reached.
“If he is not found guilty we have internal procedures and processes of handling such issues. Either first warning, second and final but I assure you, we will not rest until this is handled in the best way and in the interest of the company we serve," Mr Nyambok said.
Mr Ombasa was allegedly promising the representatives of the other company a tender to distribute cement on behalf of EAPCC.
“We as a company can confidently state that Mr Ombasa was not on official duty, neither was he representing the company during the time of his arrest,” Mr Nyambok clarified.
He explained that EAPCC operates a stringent tendering process that is transparent with tenders being awarded to interested parties based on the fulfilment of set criteria that does not involve the gratuities or kick backs for allotment and or qualification.
Mr Nyambok said the management and the board will fully co-operate with relevant authorities until the matter is resolved and the rule of law is upheld.
“I would like to reiterate the fact that East African Portland Cement Company limited, a parastatal under the Ministry of Industrialisation is a law abiding company and all our activities are strictly carried out in accordance to and observance of the laws of this land,” he emphasised.
