NAIROBI, Kenya – Three suspects have been arrested over the alleged misappropriation of Sh4.8 million earmarked for the purchase and installation of electricity transformers in Igembe North Constituency, as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) intensifies its crackdown on corruption involving public funds.
The suspects were arrested on Wednesday following investigations into the 2014/2015 National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) project.
They are expected to appear before the Meru Law Courts after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved their prosecution on multiple corruption-related charges.
According to the EACC, the investigation stems from allegations that senior officials associated with the Igembe North NG-CDF committee embezzled Sh4.8 million allocated for the procurement and installation of six electricity transformers.
The transformers were to be installed in Buathine, Ethiopia, Ntobocui, Luciuti MCK, Marere Centre and Muurune, with Sh800,000 allocated for each project.
Investigators allege that the funds were transferred into six separate project bank accounts before being withdrawn on the same day by account signatories acting with the authority of the then NG-CDF fund manager.
The anti-graft agency further claims that although the committee indicated it had engaged the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) and the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to undertake the project, both institutions confirmed they neither received payment nor official communication relating to the procurement.
EACC says investigations established that no transformers were purchased or installed at any of the identified project sites despite the release of the funds.
Following the completion of investigations, the commission forwarded the case file to the DPP, who 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.
While three suspects have already been arrested, the commission directed another suspect to report to the EACC Upper Eastern Regional Office in Isiolo, or any nearby EACC office, for processing before arraignment.
The anti-graft agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public resources and pursuing accountability for corruption and economic crimes.
“The Commission remains committed to safeguarding public resources and ensuring that all persons involved in corruption and economic crimes are held accountable,” EACC said.
