The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has, today, arrested Four senior Taita Taveta County Officials who embezzled public funds to the tune of over Sh7 million.
It is alleged that the suspects were pretending to be commemorating World War I between 24th and 27th November 2022.
EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi said that three suspects namely Thomas Jumwa (current Economic Advisor to the Governor), Liverson Mghendi (former County Secretary) and Leonard Langat (former Chief Officer, Finance) were arrested within Taita Taveta County while the fourth suspect Christine Wakera (former, County Chief Officer, Trade, Tourism & Co-operatives Development) was arrested in Eldoret.
The suspects were placed in custody awaiting arraignment in court.
Reportedly, the Commission commenced investigations upon receipt of a complaint on 5th April 2023 and established systemic abuse of office, fraudulent dealings and deliberate violation of procurement laws by the officials.
During the probe, it was established the alleged World War I event was not factored in the Procurement Plan for the Financial Year and that the World War I event expenditure was not budgeted for.
Further, the procurement of suppliers was marred with massive fraud and irregularities and was not competitive.
It is alleged that the suppliers who received the payments did not supply anything to the County Government and the payment documents supporting the payments were forged.
Upon conclusion of the investigation, the resultant file was forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) who upon independent review concurred with the Commission’s recommendation that the suspects be charged with
abuse of office, forgery, engaging in a project without prior planning, conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, and uttering false documents contrary to the law.
In addition to the ensuing prosecution, the Commission will move to recover the stolen funds from the suspects.
