Top Kenya banker on graft charges

Andrew Mullei becomes the sixth top official charged in a week

Kenya's central bank governor has been charged with four counts of abuse of office by an anti-corruption court.

Andrew Mullei denied the charges and was released on bail. He has not resigned and cannot be sacked.

He is accused of appointing four people as consultants to the central bank without following correct procedures.

Kenya's government has been rocked by two major corruption scandals in recent months, which have led three cabinet ministers to resign.

Five former high-ranking officials have also been charged over the Goldenberg affair, in which millions of dollars are said to have been taken from state funds through fake exports of minerals.

On Tuesday, President Mwai Kibaki promised to fight against corruption that has dogged his fractured coalition government.

Inner circle

As part of his bail conditions, Mr Mullei was ordered to surrender his passport.

One of the charges concerns a contract worth $30,000 awarded to his son.

Kenya's constitution says the central bank governor cannot be sacked.

Recent allegations said some of President Kibaki's inner circle was involved in a multi-million pound scam - known as the Anglo Leasing affair.

Yet Mr Kibaki was in a fighting mood during his speech to open parliament.

He said a record number of people were being investigated over corruption allegations and warned that the war against graft would be fought in all directions.