The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Monday, November 15, arrested six suspects linked to the theft of Ksh85 million from a county government.
In a press statement released to the media by CEO Twalib Mbarak, EACC stated that the suspects were nabbed following the conclusion of investigations into two companies believed to have been used to embezzle funds from the Homa Bay County Government.
The six, including three county officials, a bank manager and two spouses, received irregular salaries while Nyangume Enterprise and Damila Enterprises fraudulently received funds to the tune of Ksh85,177,811.
"Whereas the individuals received multiple monthly salary payments, the companies irregularly received large-value remittances with insignificant supporting documents," the statement read in part.
Nyangume Enterprises was reported to be owned by the wife of the former Clerk of the County Assembly Kephas Bob Otieno, while Damila belonged to a former bank manager David Obonyo. The former allegedly received Ksh26,272,460 while the latter was accused of receiving Ksh46,542,645.
The two companies then wired Ksh750,000 and Ksh24.2 million from the two companies respectively.
On the other hand, the wife of the bank manager reportedly received Ksh12.3 million from the county government - labelled as a 'salary' yet she was not employed by the devolved unit.
County Chief Finance Officer Caroline Sang, alongside senior accounts controller Maurice Amek, received Ksh3.95 million and Ksh5 million respectively from Damila Enterprises.
EACC stated that the six would be arraigned on Tuesday, November 16, at the Homa Bay Anti-Corruption Court.
The six will face charges including conspiracy to commit an economic crime, unlawful acquisition of public property, abuse of office and dealing with suspected stolen property.
In addition, they will also be charged with stealing and money laundering.
