The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has apprehended Simon Kachapin Kodomuk, an education officer involved in the theft of sh296 million in bursary funds.
Kodomuk, a former Chief Officer for Education in West Pokot, had been evading authorities for weeks but was arrested by EACC officers in Eldoret.
According to an EACC statement, Kodomuk was processed for arraignment at the Eldoret Anti-Corruption Court.
He is accused of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme to embezzle millions intended for bursaries for needy students during his tenure.
Three other suspects Mary Ngoriakes, a former Chief Officer of Education, Mathew Arusio, a former County Director of Bursary, and Francis Pkemoi Tikol, a former Assistant County Director of Bursary had already been arrested in connection with the theft.
Investigations revealed that these senior education officials siphoned off the funds using irregular cash withdrawals and fabricated meeting minutes.
They assumed roles within a County Bursary, Education Development, and Infrastructure Committee (CBC), which had never been formally established.
The EACC submitted its findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who approved charges including conspiracy to commit corruption, abuse of office, fraudulent acquisition of public property, and the creation of false documents.
Despite these allegations, the three suspects have pleaded not guilty.
Chief Magistrate Dennis Mikoyan confirmed that a plea of not guilty has been entered for the three accused, while summons were issued for Kodomuk to appear in court for plea taking.
In a related case, the EACC recently arrested John Coveti Lumula, a cleaner with the Kakamega County government, for unexplained wealth worth over sh615 million.
Lumula, head of the county’s cleaning service, reportedly owns multiple businesses, including West Bridge Elite School, several restaurants, and a hotel.
The EACC noted that his assets far exceeded his salary.