Five NCPB officials arrested over maize scandal

Five officials of the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) have been arrested in Kisumu and Eldoret over alleged fraudulent acquisition of public funds in the maize scandal.

The NCPB officers were apprehended alongside two other individuals by detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Monday evening.

They include; Willy Kipkoech Kosgei (Silo Manager, Kisumu), Renson Kibet Korir (Silo Manager, Eldoret), Thomas Kipkurgat Sang (Extension Officer, Soi Ward), Jeremiah Omutsani Omwayi (Deputy Silo Manager, Kisumu) and Laban Momanyi Michira (Cashier, NCPB Kisumu).

Also arrested was Sinonim Assistant Chief David Barngetuny Korir and a trader identified as Rodney Kimutai.

The seven are set to be arraigned at the Kisumu Law Courts on Tuesday.

According to EACC CEO Halakhe Waqo, the suspects are facing charges of graft, unlawful acquisition of public property, abuse of office and willful failure to comply with the law relating to management of public funds.

Investigators are still pursuing four other suspects who have been directed to report to the nearest EACC offices.

They include; Willy Kipkoech Sang (Agricultural Officer, Kisumu), Victoria Jebet Rotich (Trader), Caroline Chepchumba (Trader) and Stephen Kiprop Maiyo (Trader).

NCPB has been on the spot over alleged irregular purchase of maize that led to unscrupulous traders raking in millions of shillings at the expense of deserving farmers.