The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged misappropriation of public funds amounting to Sh296 million in the County Government of West Pokot.
Two other suspects are being sought in connection with the alleged misuse that occurred during the period between Financial Years 2017-18 and 2021-22.
EACC spokesman Eric Ngumbi says the two suspects are undergoing processing at EACC North Rift Regional Offices in Eldoret and will later be detained at Eldoret Central Police Station pending arraignment before the Eldoret Anti-Corruption Court tomorrow.
The Commission says it commenced investigations upon receipt of a complaint that senior officials in the West Pokot county government hatched and executed a fraudulent scheme leading to embezzlement of Sh212 million from the County Bursary, Education, and Infrastructure Fund.
However, the Commission’s investigations established that the embezzled amount was Sh296 million, which had been set aside for the provision of bursaries to support needy students in the county.
Investigations revealed that the County Bursary, Education Development, and Infrastructure Committee (CBC) was reportedly never established, but the members nevertheless assumed the role of CBC members.
EACC alleges that the officials were also involved in irregular cash withdrawals and prepared fake minutes for meetings that did not take place.
“Upon conclusion of the investigation, the resultant report was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP),, who concurred with the recommendations of the Commission to charge the four suspects. They will be charged with Conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption contrary to section 47A(3) as read with 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003;
They will also face another charge of Willful failure to comply with the applicable procedures and guidelines relating to procurement and management of public funds contrary to section 45(2)(b) as read with 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003.
Another charge will be abuse of office contrary to Section 46 as read with section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003;
The fourth charge will be fraudulent acquisition of public property, contrary to Section 45 as read with Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003.
The suspects will face five other related charges.
EACC has directed two other suspects on the run to immediately report the commission offices in Eldoret.
Source: theStars .co.ke
Original writer: MATHEWS NDANYI
