The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission(EACC) reports that it has, through an operation, struck a significant milestone that would aid in nailing several officials from Bomet County who are accused of embezzling funds.
In a statement released by the Commission’s Spokesperson, Eric Ngumbi, the EACC obtained critical evidence in the case that cumulatively involves the pilferage of close to 1.5 billion shillings from Bomet County.
“Today’s operation has yielded valuable evidentiary material that will support the ongoing investigations.” Read the statement from Mr. Ngumbi.
Senior officials from Bomet county are being accused of embezzling Kshs. 1.2 billion through payments that were fraudulently made to companies owned by the officials, their family members and proxies. Equally, the officials are accused of embezzling Kshs. 373 million through fraud while procuring 12 heavy-duty construction vehicles in the financial year 2022-2023.
“The suspects have in so doing abused their positions of trust and authority to embezzle funds through collusion, procurement fraud and payments for non-existent or substandard services.” Mr. Ngumbi added in the statement.
The suspects who were arrested during the operation have already recorded statements with the EACC and have since been released pending further action after the completion of the inquiry into their fraud allegations.
The EACC first wrote to the County of Bomet in early August 2024, signaling its intent to commence an investigation into the alleged theft of public funds and procurement fraud.
