Ethics Commission Arrests 11 Vihiga County Officials Over Alleged Ksh17 Million Theft
Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officers have apprehended 11 officials from Vihiga County Government for allegedly misappropriating Ksh17 million.
According to an official statement, the commission revealed that these individuals reportedly siphoned public funds by processing payments for fictitious projects under the guise of building a Blood Transfusion Centre in Vihiga for patients in need.
The EACC stated that the suspects embezzled Ksh17 million through fraudulent payments for non-existent construction work for a Blood Transfusion Centre meant to aid patients needing blood transfusions.
The suspects will be presented at Kakamega Anti-Corruption Court on Thursday, June 13.
EACC mentioned that the suspects, who were detained overnight at Kisumu Port Police Station, are currently being transported to Kakamega Law Courts to enter their pleas.
The commission instructed the 12th suspect, who is currently evading capture, to report immediately to the EACC Regional Office in Kisumu.
ALSO READ:
- Rift Valley Leaders Defend President Ruto Amid Protests, Accuse Opponents of Civilian Coup Plot
- Senator Paul Karungo Urges President Ruto: Embrace TikTok to Connect with Gen-Z, X-Space Kuna Matusi Mingi Sana
- Details of President Ruto’s Talks with IMF Chief on Finance Bill 2024 Withdrawal
- Ksh.87,000 Daily For Uganda Trip: How Much Kenyan Public Officers Are Paid Per Day For Foreign Travel
- Senior Police Officer Shoots Himself Dead
In October 2023, the EACC highlighted concerns with Vihiga County government after initial investigations identified over 40 ghost workers on the payroll.
These ghost workers were claimed to have been employed between 2013 and 2023.
The EACC informed the court that preliminary findings suggested a reasonable suspicion that the respondent was not a legitimate employee of Vihiga County Government, thus the salary payments amounted to corrupt practices.
The High Court froze more than Ksh1.8 million belonging to a woman suspected of drawing a salary from Vihiga County government without being an actual employee.
Justice Nixon Sifuna approved the freezing of the bank account for six months to allow the EACC to investigate her conduct.
The judge barred the suspect and her agents from withdrawing or transferring the funds from their accounts for six months.
Ethics Commission Arrests 11 Vihiga County Officials Over Alleged Ksh17 Million Theft