Kenya's Former State Trading Chief Charged Over $120M Oil Import Scheme

Pamela Mutua, ex-head of Kenya's National Trading Corporation, was charged with abuse of office over a 2022 edible oil import scheme worth $120 million. This marks President William Ruto's first major anti-corruption effort amid protests. She denies the charges and is out on bail until August 12.

Pamela Mutua, the former managing director of the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC), faced court charges on Tuesday, including abuse of office, over a 2022 edible oil import scheme worth over $120 million.

This is the first significant anti-corruption move by President William Ruto's administration, following protests against tax hikes and graft.

Mutua, who denies the accusations, was charged alongside another official and released on bail. The scheme had been criticized for benefiting well-connected importers and saw some shipments initially deemed unfit for consumption by the government standards body.