EACC Arrests NAWASSCO Officials Over Ksh159M Fraud Scandal
Four senior officials from Nakuru Water and Sanitation Services Company (NAWASSCO) have been arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) following multiple complaints from the public and media.
The suspects include the Managing Director, Finance Manager, Commercial Manager, and Accountant. Their arrest came after EACC officers raided their homes and offices as part of an ongoing corruption probe. The officials are accused of abusing their positions and misappropriating Ksh159 million through fraudulent transactions.
According to EACC, investigations reveal that the officials approved irregular payments for non-existent services and later received kickbacks.
“The raid is part of an ongoing probe into allegations of office abuse and embezzlement. The officials allegedly authorized fraudulent payments and pocketed kickbacks,” EACC said in a statement.
The suspects have been taken to the EACC Nakuru Regional Office for questioning.
NAWASSCO Boss and Governor Kihika Jailed Over Lake Nakuru Pollution
The arrests come just a day after a Nakuru court sentenced NAWASSCO’s Managing Director and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika to six months in jail or a Ksh2 million fine for illegal waste disposal into Lake Nakuru.
Justice Antony Ombwayo ruled that the two failed to comply with a court order issued on September 26, 2024, which barred NAWASSCO from dumping waste into the lake.
“To uphold the rule of law and the court’s authority, the two are sentenced to six months in jail for contempt of court,” the ruling stated.
The case was filed by Baboon Project Kenya, an NGO, which accused NAWASSCO and the county government of polluting the lake with toxic chemicals and industrial waste. The petitioners argued that the contamination posed a severe risk to the lake’s ecosystem and wildlife, including baboons living in the area.
NAWASSCO operates as a county water service provider under Section 154 of the Water Act 2016, serving Nanyuki and parts of Nyeri and Meru Counties.
EACC Arrests NAWASSCO Officials Over Ksh159M Fraud Scandal
