Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officers have arrested three people in a bid to unravel a syndicate that has been stealing and selling books distributed to public schools by the government.
Philip Kimaru, the director of Mary Junior School a private institution in Malindi and two teachers were arrested after being found in possession of government-branded books and others bearing the stamps of public schools.
EACC North Coast Regional Manager Gichangi Njeru stated that the officers working on a tip-off raided Kimaru’s home and recovered dozens of textbooks.
“We also conducted a search in the school located in Muyeye and recovered books” he revealed.
According to the Nation, Njeru also claimed that the raid was prompted by reports from residents that materials meant to be used for public schools was being used in several private schools in Malindi.
“The two teachers were arrested and taken to Malindi Police Station after recording statements with the EACC,” he added.
The officers stated that some of the books had pages stapled while others were neatly covered to the identification marks of the schools they were meant to benefit.
As reported by Nation some of the material recovered was labeled ‘Not For Sale.’
Njeru, who praised members of the public for giving information, also encouraged them to report corruption cases to his office.
He said the suspects would be arraigned in court once the investigations are complete.
He confirmed that the suspects will be charged with handling stolen property, unlawful acquisition of public property and abuse of office.
