Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji has ordered the arrest of seven Homabay County Assembly officials over misappropriation of public funds.
According to an official statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, they include two MCAs and five county officials who reportedly misappropriated Ksh 26,872,278 through irregular payment of hotel services and MCAs allowances.
A probe into the graft scandal began after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) received remonstrance of claims of embezzlement of public funds in the county for the financial year 2014/15 and 2016/17.
Breaking: DPP Noordin Haji Press Statement on inquiry into allegations of misappropriation of public funds by Homabay County Assembly Officials @EACCKenya @DCI_Kenya @AssemblyHomaBay @matundura78 @kuigw @Iladopaul pic.twitter.com/Yv5uFD4Ixi
— ODPP_KE (@ODPP_KE) August 16, 2018
“I have received the files from EACC, and I am satisfied the persons named herein actively participated in the perpetration of the alleged criminal activities and should, therefore, be charged and prosecuted,” the statement read.
The seven include MCAs Michael Owino Ooro and Isaac Nyauso Nyandege.
Others mentioned are Judith Akinyi Omongi, Otieno Bob Kephas, Caroline Sang, Mourice Odiwor Amek and Edwin Omondi Okello.
“I am satisfied that the persons mentioned herein actively participated in the perpetration of alleged criminal activities and should, therefore, be charged and prosecuted.”
They will be charged with several economic crimes.
The order for the arrest comes in a duration when the ODPP has renewed the efforts in fighting corruption and impunity.
Some high profile arrests made in the recent past include former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong’, former Public Service and Youth PS Lillian Omollo and former Kenya Power boss Ben Chumo.
[caption caption="Homabay County Assembly"]
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