Remember the recent National Youth Service Ksh791 Million theft saga that drove former Devolution CS Anne Waiguru to resign?

Well, Ben Gethi, is the man who is facing criminal charges over allegations that he stole the amount from the Department of Planning in the Ministry of Devolution.

The 31-year-old came out to reveal that he is worth 3 Billion Kenyan Shillings through his company, Horizon Ltd. Gethi said he earned his money by supplying NYS with fuel and food and not infrastructure projects linked to the Sh791 million scam.

The young city businessman appeared on KTN's Jeff Koinange Live on Thursday night and denied stealing NYS money;

I have audited accounts showing the worth of my company. I did not start business today. I did not stumble on the NYS money without doing the job. I participated in competitive tender.

Speaking for the first time since being charged in court, Gethi said he was innocent and has been doing legitimate business with NYS for five years, stating that his first tender was worth Sh500 000.

Gethi said that his biggest single tender was Sh50 million and denied acquiring money through a scam;

None of my companies are associated with the Sh791 million. The courts will bail me out. I am not scared because I am not guilty. I am a self- made person and I am ready to pay for my sins if convicted by the court. There are big names who have money at NYS — almost all contractors know each other. The information out there is how Gethi spent his money, it doesn't say how he acquired the cash.

Gethi said he could be targeted in a witch-hunt by people trying to clear their names.

There is someone who wants to buy freedom by coming with an impression alleging I picked NYS money without working.

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