By Suleiman Mbatiah
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) South Rift Regional Office in Nakuru is preparing for an intensive week of interrogations.
Officials from three counties are scheduled to be questioned over alleged fraudulent schemes that resulted in the loss of millions of public funds.
EACC South Rift Regional Manager, Mr Ignatius Wekesa confirmed that the interrogations will take place from today to Friday, marking the initial phase of what could be a broader crackdown on corruption in the region.
The involvement of high-ranking officials in these cases has intensified demands for greater accountability in county governments.
Citizens are calling for stronger oversight mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Today, the EACC will begin questioning the first group of suspects, starting with officials from Nakuru County.
These officials are implicated in a KSh27 million procurement fraud related to the acquisition of Sports Kits and Equipment.
They include Abel Mungai, Newton Karanja, and Catherine Macharia, who will appear at different times.
Tomorrow, Ivy Kinyanjui, Moses Bii, and Dominic Sigei are expected to face the panel.
On Wednesday, Caroline Nulu, Teresiah Wanjiru, and Githaiga Macharia are slated to meet with the EACC.
Beth Wacuka and Edwin Okello are scheduled for Thursday, while Chief Officer for Sports Alex Maina and Procurement Director Annmarie Kuria will conclude the interrogations on Friday.
It is alleged that companies owned by senior county officials were unlawfully awarded contracts and received payments for delivering substandard Sports gear.
This case has raised serious concerns about the integrity of Public Procurement Processes in the county.
From the Nakuru group, officials from Bomet County will be questioned regarding a larger case of alleged embezzlement.
The suspects are accused of diverting funds during the procurement of road construction equipment valued at KSh373 million. The investigation aims to uncover the extent of the financial misconduct and identify those responsible.
The final group of suspects consists of senior officials from the County Assembly of Baringo, who are being investigated for allegedly misappropriating public funds through the illegal payment of allowances. According to Mr. Wekesa, these payments were reportedly linked to the irregular creation of additional Assembly Committees, raising questions about the legitimacy of these committees and the allowances they generated.
“The EACC remains committed to ensuring that those responsible for misusing public funds are held accountable,” said Wekesa.
“This week’s activities are just the beginning of our efforts to restore integrity and transparency in the management of public resources.”
As the investigations progress, public attention is increasingly fixed on the outcomes, with widespread anticipation that the commission’s efforts will not only bring justice but also set a powerful precedent to deter future acts of corruption in devolved governance.
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