Kenyan officials on graft charges

Donors are frustrated at President Kibaki's failure to act against suspects

Six former senior Kenyan officials will face trial on corruption charges, the government has said.

They were sacked last year over their involvement in two public contracts, which were then cancelled.

These are the first prosecutions for corruption since donors increased pressure on the government, saying it was not doing enough to stop graft.

The BBC's Adam Mynott in Kenya says many people want action taken against politicians, as well as officials.

Two contracts - to print new top security passports and to build police forensic laboratories - were awarded to Anglo-Leasing, a company which our correspondent says does not exist in a conventional sense.

Millions of dollars were allegedly involved but the money was recovered, leading Justice Minister Kiraitu Murungi to call it "the scandal that never was".

Blistering

Attorney General Amos Wako said there was sufficient admissible evidence for the men to be taken to court.

"Prosecution will ensue without fear or favour and without regard to the status of the persons involved," he said.

Sir Edward's speech increased pressure on the government

The six served under both former President Daniel arap Moi and current leader Mwai Kibaki.

Mr Kibaki was elected in 2002 on a pledge to end the rampant corruption under Mr Moi.

But two weeks ago, the UK High Commissioner to Nairobi, Sir Edward Clay launched a blistering attack on Mr Kibaki's government.

His comments were backed up by other diplomats, who warned that aid could be cut if more was not done to tackle corruption.

Shortly afterwards, Mr Kibaki's chief anti-corruption advisor John Githongo resigned.

He has since remained in the UK and his friends say his life could be in danger.

Most donors cut off aid under former President Daniel arap Moi, citing corruption. They restored funding under Mr Kibaki.

A Transparency International survey of perceived corruption rated Kenya 122nd out of 133 countries in 2003.