EACC arrests over 20 government officials over graft

EACC arrests over 20 government officials over graft

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested over 20 government officials from three parastatals and other individuals over allegations of graft.

The arrested officials are mainly from the Geothermal Development Company (GDC), Kenya Pipeline Company and the National Water Conservation Company.

In the arrests made earlier Monday, EACC arrested GDC Managing Director Silas Masinde Simiyu, company secretary Praxidus Namomi Saisi, Michael Maingi Mbevi who is the General Manager in charge of drilling operations and Tender committee members Abraham Chirchir Saat, Godwin Mwangae Mwawongo, Nicholas Karume Weke, Caleb Indiatsi Mbaya, Bruno Mugambi Linyiru and Peter Ayodo Omenda.

The anti-corruption officials also arrested Kenya Pipeline Company suspended Managing Director Charles Tanui, Chief Manager Technical Elias Maina Karumi, Josephat Kipkoech Sirma, who serves as the chief engineer instrumentation and control, and Ngatia Ndung’u, Director Redline Limited.

Those arrested in the National Water Conservation & Pipeline Corporation include its Managing Director Evans Ngibuini and procurement oversight committee members George Sar, Mustafa Aman, James Bundi, Justus Wabuyabo and John Musyoka.

All the suspects were processed and released on cash bail of Sh100,000 each and will appear before the Anti-Corruption Court in Milimani on Tuesday to take a plea.

However, Isiolo Governor Dr Godana Doyo went into hiding after the DPP gave consent for him to be charged and EACC detectives are pursuing him.

The arrests coincided with EACC’s announcement that it will form a new strategy to repossess property acquired through fraudulent means.

Speaking after receiving a wealth report of Machakos County executives from Governor Alfred Mutua on Monday, EACC CEO Halakhe Waqo said the commission would implement stringent measures that will see properties of officials implicated in corruption repossessed and handed over to the government.

Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko has ordered the prosecution of Devolution PS Peter Mangiti, National Youth Service (NYS) Director General Nelson Githinji and businessman Benson Muchemi over alleged fraud at NYS.

In a statement to media houses, Tobiko accused the three of tampering with a public officer by trying to prevent NYS Senior Deputy Director General in Charge of Administration, Adan Harakhe, from reporting the loss of Sh695,400,000 to the directorate of criminal investigations.

The DPP also accused the three of threatening and intimidating Harakhe with unspecified consequences if he proceeded to withdraw from the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS).

Tobiko also ordered the prosecution of 23 Devolution Ministry officials for allegedly stealing and conspiring to defraud NYS of the sum of Sh791,385,000, contrary to section 317 of the Penal Code.

Regina Mungai, Fredrick Nachiche, Josephine Kabura, Peter Otwoma, Hendrick Pilisi, Ben Muchemi, Samuel Wacheje, Jane Wangechi, David Alunga, Titus Libondo, Chemos Ndiema, Naftali Githinji, Ruth Hihu, Charles Nyaachi, Mary Mbuthia, Ezekiel Kamau, James Kanuthi, Samwel Kilonzo, Philip Otunga, Jennifer Mugure, Rhoda Makau, Joel Karenju and Francis Kariuki are some of the officers to face prosecution under this offence.

By Victor Kenani

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