The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested two more officials from the Nyamira County Assembly in Kenya over alleged irregularities in the award of a Ksh.367 million tender for the construction of an office block. The arrests were made within Kisii County during an operation conducted by EACC investigators. The two suspects, David Nyarango Ombego and Joyce Onyiego, are expected to face charges related to the management of public funds.
According to the EACC, the alleged irregularities resulted in the loss of Ksh. 30,187,396 in public funds. Ombego, who serves as the Deputy Clerk and Director of Legislative, Legal Procedure and Committee Services, and Onyiego, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, are being processed at EACC's South Nyanza Regional Office in Kisii ahead of their arraignment. The commission has been investigating the tender awarded by the Nyamira County Assembly.
This latest development is part of a broader investigation into the tender, which has already seen three other Nyamira County Assembly officials arrested and charged. These officials include Nyamira County Assembly Clerk Duke Simeon Onyari, Chief Officer for Roads and Public Works Eng. Josephat Matini Oruru, and Infrastructure Officer Simon Ondari Ogecha. The EACC has been pursuing several leads in the case.
The EACC has stated that the two newly arrested suspects will face charges including abuse of office, wilful failure to comply with the law relating to the management of public funds, and negligence of official duty. The arrests demonstrate the commission's ongoing efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability in the management of public funds in Kenya.
The construction of the office block was intended to provide new facilities for the Nyamira County Assembly. However, the EACC's investigation has revealed that the tender was awarded irregularly, leading to significant financial losses. The commission is working to recover the lost funds and bring those responsible to justice.
The EACC's investigation into the tender is part of a broader effort to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public funds in Kenya. The commission has been working to strengthen its investigative capabilities and increase public trust in its operations. The arrests of the two Nyamira County Assembly officials are a significant step in this process.
The case is ongoing, with the two suspects expected to appear in court soon. The EACC has assured the public that it will continue to pursue all leads and ensure that those responsible for the alleged irregularities are held accountable. The commission's efforts aim to promote good governance and prevent similar cases of corruption in the future.
Key points
- Two Nyamira County Assembly officials arrested over Ksh.367M tender irregularities.
- EACC investigation reveals Ksh. 30,187,396 in public funds lost due to alleged irregularities.
- Three other officials previously arrested and charged in connection with the tender.
