Six officials of Thika Technical Institute arrested over Ksh.27M theft

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested six current and former officials of Thika Technical Training Institute in connection with misappropriation and embezzlement of public funds.

The officials were arrested after the DCI received information regarding the alleged crimes on July 24, 2018. One of the suspects is still at large.

According to the Director of Criminal Investigations George Kinoti, investigations revealed that between 2016 and July 2018, the institute had made irregular payments amounting to Ksh.27,981,233.

The file was then forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) who then directed that the individuals be charged.

The six officials who have already been arrested are: Mary Mumbua Kyengo Micheni (Former Principal), Jefferson Kariuki (Former Principal), John Mwangi (Former Principal), Samuel Gakumo (Former Finance Officer), Johnson Kihumba Ichugu (Internal Auditor) as well as Eunice Njuguna Wairimu (Thika sub-county Ministry of Education Auditor.)

The detectives are still pursuing Michael Gacheru (Former Finance Officer) “who has since gone into hiding.”

The arrested officials are set to be arraigned at Thika Law Courts on Monday October 8 to face charges, among them, stealing by a person employed in the public service as well as abuse of office.

They will also be charged with neglect of official duty, making a document without authority contrary to the law, and willful failure to comply with applicable procedures and guidelines relating to the management of public funds.