Former Nairobi Town Clerk John Gakuo this morning died this morning at Mbagathi hospital where he was receiving treatment after he fell sick yesterday. The late Gakuo was serving a three-year jail term over the Ksh. 283 million Mavoko cemetery scam.
In August this year, the deceased alongside Former Local Government Permanent Secretary Sammy Kirui, Former Nairobi City Council Legal Secretary Mary Ng’ethe and Chairman of the tender committee Alexander Musee were also serving a similar sentence after being convicted for purchasing land meant for a cemetery in Mavoko county, Athi River, in 2009.
Mr. Kirui and Ms Ng’ethe were found guilty of failing to adhere to procurement laws and giving misleading information to the tender committee.
According to the Chief Magistrate, Douglas Ogoti the prosecution demonstrated that Mr. Kirui and the now late Gakuo knew the tender documents were false but did nothing to stop the embezzlement.
“It was a clear case. Only them know why they acted the way they did and failed to stop embezzling of public funds. I find them guilty and are convicted accordingly,” he ruled.
Prisons Commissioner Isaiah Osugo confirmed the death, saying that Gakuo had been ailing for a long time.
“John Gakuo passed on today morning while receiving treatment in Mbagathi Hospital. He has been sick for a while. His body was taken to the City Mortuary, said Osugo.
According to the commissioner, Gakuo had been serving his jail sentence at Nairobi West Prison, but spent most of the time in hospital due to his medical condition.
Before his conviction, Gakuo was mentioned as one of the possible replacements of Polycarp Igathe for the position of Deputy Governor in Nairobi County.
“It is unfortunate that we have lost him. We are still waiting for the autopsy report to ascertain what might have killed him,” Osugo said.