The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is investigating Dena over allegations involving several companies linked to him.
Joseph Hamisi Dena faces EACC investigation
According to the allegations, Dena used several companies to launder money in collusion with officials from a major government agency based at the Coast.
Investigators allege that Dena worked closely with Antony Muhanji, a senior officer formerly attached to the agency. They claim the two manipulated contracts and diverted public funds into private accounts.
The EACC is investigating a network of companies linked to the allegations. They include Harbour Contractors (K) Limited, Kitengela Aqua Fish Farm Limited, Citiport Engineering (K) Limited and Idealyic Company Limited.
Investigators are also probing companies linked to Dena and his associates. These include Stone Contractor and Escalate Group C.
EACC summons Joseph Hamisi Dena
In a letter dated July 4, 2024, the EACC summoned three directors for questioning.
The directors are Joseph Hamisi Dena, Mercy Mterere and Joseph Kingwangu Safarry.
The commission wants to question them over alleged abuse of office and conflict of interest.
Meanwhile, financial records have raised further questions about the companies.
One Equity Bank account received Ksh66.8 million between February and October 2021. Another account at Cooperative Bank recorded Ksh42.7 million in deposits between 2018 and 2019.
Companies linked to MP under investigation
Investigators believe the companies generated most of their income from a single government client.
One company allegedly received 99 percent of its income from the agency. According to investigators, this raises questions about the companies’ business activities and possible money laundering.
The investigation has also uncovered potential tax discrepancies.
In 2021, one company declared income of only Ksh45 million. However, its bank records reportedly showed credits exceeding Ksh104 million.
The difference amounted to nearly Ksh59 million in undeclared income.
Consequently, investigators estimated a tax liability of Ksh17.6 million in income tax and Ksh9.4 million in VAT.
The Kenya Revenue Authority has received the information. The tax agency is expected to pursue recovery proceedings.
EACC probes alleged use of relatives as proxies
The investigation has also named relatives of Dena.
They include Gliny Joseph Dena and George Shuma Dena.
Intelligence sources allege that the relatives acted as proxies and helped move funds linked to the investigation.
Investigators also allege that Dena used his influence to access bank accounts where he was not listed as a signatory.
According to the allegations, he controlled some transactions behind the scenes.
Some funds were allegedly transferred to unknown accounts to evade police surveillance and asset tracking.
Joseph Hamisi Dena linked to Sh78M recovery case
The investigation also connects Dena to a related case filed in 2022.
In that case, the EACC sought to recover more than Ksh78 million from Antony Muhanji.
Court documents allege that Muhanji awarded excavation and concrete works contracts to a company he secretly owned.
At the time, Muhanji allegedly served as a project manager at the government agency.
The documents further allege that Muhanji failed to disclose his interest in the company. Investigators claim he used insider information to award the contract to the company.
Dena also appeared in the suit, further linking him to the corruption allegations.
Joseph Hamisi Dena yet to respond
Despite attempts to contact him, Dena has reportedly not responded to calls or emails from reporters.
The allegations remain under investigation, and no finding of criminal liability has been made against Dena based solely on the claims outlined above.
