The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on Monday, June 25, 2024, arraigned seven members of Nyandarua County government staff at a Nakuru court over a suspected attempt to commit an economic crime contrary to Section 47 (A) (1) as read with Section 48 (1) of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crime Act, 2023.
In the charges pressed against the seven, ODPP says they are suspected of having fraudulently made payments totalling Ksh12 million from public funds to six suppliers for services not rendered.
The charges include making fraudulent payments for services not rendered to six suppliers in connection with a purported investment conference that never occurred, fraudulent practice in a procurement process, abuse of office, and making a document without authority, namely a request for quotation.
ODPP lines witnesses
In the case, the prosecution, represented by Louise Murunga, Angeline Chinga, and Dan Smith Mbalasi, has lined up 32 witnesses to testify against the County staff.
“These witnesses will explain to the court how the companies were paid for event management services, printing materials, stage concepts, provision of entertainment security and fast response, provisions for TVs, videography and live streaming, audio-visual equipment, and the hiring of tents, decorations, and seats for the said conference,” ODPP said in a statement.
EACC raids
This comes just weeks after the EACC conducted raids in Garissa County over suspected embezzlement of funds by senior County staff.
On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, the anti-graft agency said it had conducted a successful operation on senior officials of Garissa County concerning the suspected embezzlement of funds.
After the raid, EACC stated that eight individuals were under investigation for the suspected embezzlement of funds over Ksh1 billion.
“The Wednesday, June 12, 2024, operation yielded valuable evidentiary material that will support the ongoing investigation,” EACC stated on X.
In their report, the anti-corruption agency believes the officials involved in the suspected embezzlement were, directly and indirectly, trading with the county government through companies owned by themselves, close family members and associates.
EACC further stated that the operation was part of an ongoing investigation following a court order obtained to pursue the senior county staff, their proxies and companies associated with them that were used to embezzle public funds from the Garissa County coffers.
Calls against corruption
The charges come at a time when Kenyans are calling on the government to put a lid on rampant corruption and wastage of resources as an alternative to raising taxes.
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