By Muthoni Maina
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has confirmed that a successful investigative operation was carried out to probe allegations of conflict of interest and embezzlement involving eight senior officials of the Garrisa County Government.
The investigation which took place on Tuesday, June 11th, uncovered an embezzlement of Ksh. 1.2 billion.
According to the EACC statement, the officials are suspected of engaging in direct and indirect trading with the County Government through companies they own, their close family, and associates.
“The officials are alleged to be directly and indirectly trading with the County Government through companies owned by themselves, close family members and associates,” the EACC statement read.
This operation was conducted as part of an ongoing investigation following court orders targeting senior officials of the County Government, their proxies, and affliated companies used in siphoning public funds from the County.
The operation yielded substantial evidence to support the ongoing investigation.
“The Tuesday operation yielded to valuable evidentiary material that will support the ongoing investigation,” read EACC’s statement in part.
Upon completion, the investigation’s findings will guide appropriate actions, which may involve prosecuting suspects and recovering stolen public funds.
The release urges residents of Garrisa County to share any information they may have regarding the misuse of public funds with the commission.
Additionally, the commission has also provided an anonymous reporting website and a Toll-Free No. 1511 for reporting cases, along with the option to visit any of their offices.
Reassuring the confidentiality of informants, the release assures that any information received will only be used to further the investigation.