The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested three suspects over the alleged misappropriation of Ksh4.8 million meant for the purchase and installation of six electricity transformers under the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) in Igembe North Constituency.
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 29, EACC said the arrests followed investigations into the alleged misuse of public funds allocated for the electricity project during the 2014/2015 financial year.
The Commission says investigations began after allegations emerged that some senior officials involved in the management of the constituency fund had embezzled KSh4.8 million earmarked for the purchase and installation of six transformers.
Further, the Commission said each of the six transformer projects had been allocated Ksh800,000 and was expected to improve electricity access in six communities within Igembe North Constituency.
Investigators established that the funds were transferred into six separate project bank accounts before being withdrawn on the same day by the account signatories with the authority of the then NG-CDF Fund Manager.
EACC further stated that although the committee claimed to have engaged the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) and Kenya Power to undertake the project, both institutions confirmed they neither received payment nor any communication regarding the procurement.
The Commission said investigations established that no transformers were ever procured or installed at any of the six identified project sites despite the funds having already been withdrawn.
Upon completion of investigations, EACC forwarded the inquiry file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which approved the prosecution of four suspects on charges including conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, unlawful acquisition of public property, abuse of office and misappropriation of Constituency Development Funds.
Three of the suspects have since been arrested and are expected to be arraigned before the Meru Law Courts to take plea, while the remaining suspect has been directed to report to the Commission’s Upper Eastern Regional Office in Isiolo or any nearby EACC office for processing and arraignment.
EACC has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public resources and ensuring that all individuals involved in corruption and economic crimes are held accountable in accordance with the law.
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