By Wilfridah Murenga
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has made significant strides in the fight against corruption by apprehending 11 officials from the Vihiga County government, for allegedly embezzling Ksh. 17 million.
Among those arrested are Dr. Arnold Kimiyia Mamadi, the Chief Officer for Medical Service, and Godfrey Oyaro, Director of Procurement.
The 11 suspects were arrested in light of accusations regarding the misappropriation of public funds through deceitful payments for fictitious projects, a purported Blood Transfusion Centre in Vihiga aimed at assisting individuals needing blood transfusions.
“The suspects allegedly embezzled public funds amounting to Kes.17 million through fraudulent payments for non-existent works in purpotted construction of a Blood Transfusion Centre in Vihiga to help patients requiring blood transfusion,” said EACC in a statement on X.
The suspects were detained overnight at Kisumu Port police station and are set to be charged before the Kakamega Law Courts on Thursday.
Principal Qualitative Surveyor, QS. Eugene Wandera Wamalwa, the 12th suspect who according to EACC is evading authorities, has been directed by the Commission to promptly present himself at the EACC Regional Office in Kisumu this morning, without fail.
This development comes after the commission on Tuesday, 11 June, 2024 carried out a fruitful investigation targeting eight senior officials from Garissa County Government.
According to EACC, the suspects are currently being investigated for extensive corruption involving conflict of interest and misappropriation of public funds amounting to over Kes. 1.2 billion.
Read More: Inquiry into Allegations of Conflicts of Interest and Embezzlement.
These officials are accused of engaging in direct and indirect business dealings with the County Government using companies that they own, as well as those owned by their immediate family members and associates.