The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has responded to media allegations claiming it misrepresented details in the case involving four senior officials from Taita Taveta County accused of embezzling sh. 7 million in public funds under the guise of organizing a First World War commemoration.
The individuals involved are Thomas Jumwa, the Economic Advisor to Governor Andrew Mwadime; former County Secretary Liverson Mghendi; former Finance Chief Officer Leonard Langat; and Christine Wakera, the ex-chief officer for Trade, Tourism, and Co-operatives Development.
They were apprehended by EACC detectives on Tuesday and subsequently brought before the Mombasa Anti-Corruption Court on Wednesday.
Certain media outlets reported that the EACC had exaggerated the amount stolen, noting that while they claimed sh. 7 million was embezzled, the charge sheet presented in court specified an approximate sum of sh. 4 million.
In a statement on Thursday, the EACC refuted these claims, asserting that they were misrepresented.
“Chief Magistrate Hon. Alex Ithuku remarked that referring to sh. 7 million as the amount embezzled would be inaccurate if the charge sheet’s sh. 4 million were the sole reference.
However, this was not the only point of reference,” the EACC stated.
The agency clarified that the sh. 7 million figure reflected the total funds allocated for the commemorative event, while the sh. 4 million referred specifically to the amount allegedly misappropriated by the accused.
“Thus, our report should not be interpreted as misleading,” they added.
During court proceedings, it was revealed that the four officials were involved in a conspiracy to engage in corrupt practices by initiating a project without proper planning.
They were charged with unlawfully facilitating direct procurement and making payments for the commemoration event held from November 24 to 27, 2022, which had not been included in the budget for the 2022/2023 financial year.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) noted that the accused were charged with executing a project without prior planning, in violation of Section 45(2)(c) and Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.
Additionally, one of the defendants, Nyambu, faced extra charges for unlawfully acquiring public property, submitting false documents, and failing to comply with proper expenditure procedures.
Nyambu allegedly misappropriated sh. 1,018,000 as fake payments for services claimed to be rendered during the event.
All four officials pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail, with each required to post a bond of sh. 1 million or a cash bail of sh. 200,000.
Nyambu received a higher bond of sh. 2 million or cash bail of sh. 500,000.
The next court mention is scheduled for November 7, 2024.